Second Human Case of New World Screwworm Confirmed

Health officials have confirmed a second human case of New World Screwworm in Belize. The patient, a 60-year-old man from Camalote Village, is currently receiving treatment for the parasitic infection at the Western Regional Hospital in Belmopan. The infestation is located on his lower leg.

This marks the second known human infection in the country, following the first case reported earlier this month involving a 21-year-old man from Benque Viejo del Carmen.

The New World Screwworm, a flesh-eating parasite, was first detected in livestock in the Toledo District in December 2024. Since then, it has spread steadily across the country, with over 335 confirmed cases in animals from Toledo to Corozal.

The Belize Agricultural Health Authority (BAHA) recently reported a shift in the pattern of infections. While the parasite initially affected farm animals, it is now appearing more frequently in pets. Alarmingly, wildlife is also being impacted. In late July, BAHA confirmed that two howler monkeys had tested positive for the parasite, raising concerns about its broader ecological impact.