Epidemiological Alert: Myiasis caused by Cochliomyia hominivorax in the Americas Region, 16 October 2026

In light of the increase and expansion of the area where human cases of myiasis caused by Cochliomyia hominivorax (New World screwworm) are occurring in countries in Central America and Mexico, following the reemergence and geographic spread of this parasite in animals, the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) calls on Member States to strengthen epidemiological surveillance, ensure timely diagnosis of human cases, and provide appropriate clinical management, while reinforcing coordination among the human health, animal health, and environmental sectors under the One Health approach. It also recommends intensifying prevention and risk communication efforts, particularly in areas where it has recently been reintroduced and among populations at higher risk of exposure.