El Salvador - Fifth confirmed case of screwworm myiasis in humans

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Fourth case of screwworm myiasis in humans confirmed in El Salvador

August 16, 2025, 2:22 PM - GMT-6

The Ministry of Health has not provided details of the patient's origin, whether he is an adult or a minor, or his current condition.

The Ministry of Health (MINSAL) confirmed the fourth case of screwworm myiasis (parasitic infestation) in humans.

At this time, no information has been provided on the patient, including whether he or she is an adult or a minor, his or her origin, or his or her current condition. This case occurred in epidemiological week 31, between July 27 and August 2.

The first three cases were reported by the State Department in early June. Two of them occurred in epidemiological week 20, which spans May 11-17; and the third occurred in week 22, between May 25-31.

On June 18, in a television interview, Health Minister Francisco Alabi said that the first three cases of myiasis were identified in the eastern and western parts of the country, but he did not specify the departments.

Myiasis is defined as a parasitic infestation in which larvae of certain flies lodge in human or animal tissue where they feed and develop. This occurs when the screwworm fly (Cochliomyia hominivorax) lays its eggs in open wounds.

On June 19, the Medical Association of El Salvador (COLMEDES) asked the Ministry of Health (MINSAL) to declare an epidemic of screwworm myiasis in the country.

Veterinarians consulted at the time by LA PRENSA GRÁFICA said the situation is "complex" in dogs and cats, although they also reported infestations in cattle, rabbits, birds, and even wild animals.

https://www.laprensagrafica.com/elsalvador/Confirman-cuarto-caso-de-miasis-por-gusano-barrenador-en-humanos-en-El-Salvador-20250816-0019.html

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El Salvador reports five cases of people infected with myiasis; the disease is caused by the screwworm.

According to data from the Ministry of Health, in the region, Panama has 61 cases, followed by Honduras with 59, Costa Rica with forty and Guatemala with four.

02/09/2025|15:24|
Updated 02/09/2025 15:24

El Salvador has recorded at least five cases of people infected with myiasis , caused by the screwworm , a parasitic disease that is spreading in several parts of Central America , according to official data housed in the Epidemiological Bulletin of the Ministry of Health consulted this Tuesday.

The fifth reported case corresponds to week 34 of 2025, which runs from August 17 to 23. The previous, fourth, case was reported during week 31, corresponding to the period from July 27 to August 2.

In mid-July 2025, El Salvador's Minister of Health, Francisco Alabí , confirmed the presence of three cases, without detailing the patients' conditions.

According to data from the Ministry of Health , Panama has 61 cases in the region, followed by Honduras with 59, Costa Rica with 40, and Guatemala with four.

Myiasis is caused by the larvae of a fly that lays eggs in open wounds, causing rapidly progressing infections.

The situation raised health alarms at the time, especially after 124 cases were detected in Nicaragua , where the United States embassy issued a health alert.

In addition to humans, more than 96,000 cases have been reported in animals in the region, especially in cattle, dogs, and cats. In El Salvador , dogs are the most affected, according to data from the International Regional Organization for Agricultural and Livestock Health (OIRSA).

https://www.eluniversal.com.mx/mundo/el-salvador-reporta-5-casos-de-personas-infectadas-con-miasis-enfermedad-es-causada-por-el-gusano-barrenador/

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El Salvador confirms fifth case of screwworm in humans

The Ministry of Health has confirmed a new human case of screwworm myiasis, bringing the total number of infections recorded throughout El Salvador to five.

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By Juan Martínez
Published on September 2, 2025

The Ministry of Health's epidemiological bulletin, available on its official website, revealed the fifth case of screwworm myiasis in humans in El Salvador recorded during week 34. The data is specifically recorded in the statistic called "Screwworm Myiasis in Humans."

Since its appearance in December 2024, when it was detected in cattle from Honduras or Nicaragua in the department of Morazán, the screwworm has crossed the zoonotic barrier, meaning it affects both animals and people. This situation had already been warned about by the Minister of Health, Francisco Alabí, who confirmed the presence of the disease nationwide in June.

"The worm is the result of eggs laid by a fly. We call it myiasis when the disease is already present in a human," the official explained.

Although the clinical details of the new case have not yet been revealed, official reports indicate that the first three human patients recovered after the parasite was removed and prompt medical attention was provided. The fourth case was reported in late July.

The fifth human case of screwworm was reported between August 17 and 23, 2025, according to the epidemiological bulletin. / Screenshot of the statistical results of the Ministry of Health's epidemiological bulletin.

What is myiasis and how is it transmitted?

Myiasis is an infection caused by fly larvae that invade living tissue. In the case of screwworms, the fly lays its eggs in open wounds of humans or animals. Once they hatch, the larvae begin feeding on the tissue, which can cause severe damage if not detected and treated promptly.

The disease not only causes intense pain, but can also become more complicated if the larva lodges in sensitive areas such as the eyes, nose, or mouth, according to specialists such as infectious disease specialist Iván Solano Leiva.

You may be interested in: US confirms human case of screwworm after patient travels to El Salvador

The region under threat

The phenomenon is not unique to El Salvador. In Honduras, the Ministry of Health is investigating four deaths possibly linked to this infection and has reported human cases in all 18 of its health regions. To date, at least 1,720 affected animals have been reported in that country.

Guatemala is also facing a significant outbreak. Between May and June 2025, the Ministry of Health recorded 16 cases of myiasis in humans, including older adults and minors. In addition, more than 5,000 animals—from livestock to pets—are estimated to have been infected, prompting the declaration of a national alert.

How to prevent screwworms

The emergence of the fifth human case reinforces the need to adopt preventive measures, especially in rural areas and communities with livestock. Health authorities and experts recommend:

Cover any open wounds and keep them clean.
Use insect repellent and clothing that covers your skin.
Constantly check pets and farm animals.
Go to the health center for any suspicious injury.

In addition, the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock has set up hotlines to report cases in animals: 2202-0881, 2202-0226, or WhatsApp 7092-9718.

Outbreaks in neighboring countries show how the plague is spreading across borders, with Panama being the hardest hit. / Screenshot of the statistical results from the Ministry of Health's epidemiological bulletin.
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A call for community policing

The spread of screwworms in El Salvador is a health phenomenon that requires ongoing attention. The experience of neighboring countries shows that, without adequate surveillance and measures, myiasis can progress from a single infection to a widespread health problem.

For now, the Ministry of Health is keeping its epidemiological statistics up-to-date, allowing for the rapid identification of new cases and the prevention of larger outbreaks. However, the success of containment will also depend on public collaboration, especially in the early reporting of symptoms and suspected cases.

https://www.elsalvador.com/noticias/nacional/gusano-barrenador-miasis/1240734/2025/