Honduras confirms first human death in 2026 from the screwworm
Honduras confirmed the first death from myiasis caused by the screwworm so far in 2026, a parasitic disease that already has 76 human cases in the country.
TL;DR
- Honduras reported its first human death in 2026 due to myiasis caused by the screwworm fly.
- The victim was a 78-year-old woman from Tegucigalpa.
- This year, Honduras has recorded 76 human cases of screwworm infection.
- The disease is caused by the larvae of the fly Cochliomyia hominivorax, which feed on live tissue in open wounds.
- Honduras was declared free of the screwworm in 1996 but saw the parasite return in animals in September 2024 and the first human case in February 2025.
- In 2025, 199 human cases and at least four deaths were confirmed.
- Over 3,000 animal cases of the screwworm were also recorded.
- Health authorities stress the importance of prevention through hygiene and seeking timely medical attention for wounds to avoid infestation.