Belize Records 63 Screwworm Cases Since December, No Human Infections Reported

Belize has recorded 63 cases of New World Screwworm (NWS) infections since the first case was detected on December 26, 2024, according to Minister of Agriculture, Food Security and Enterprise, Jose Abelardo Mai. The update was shared during a regional meeting in San Salvador, where Minister Mai is leading discussions among Agriculture Ministers from Central America, Mexico, and the Dominican Republic on controlling and eradicating the pest.

Minister Mai said that despite the absence of sterile fly releases in Belize, the country has managed to contain the spread, with no human infections confirmed and no cases reported in the Corozal District.

Only two cases have been recorded in the Orange Walk District.

Nicaragua has reported over 121,000 cases and 94 human infections, placing Belize among the countries with the lowest infection rates in the region.

Minister Mai credited Belize’s success to strong collaboration among BAHA, the Ministry of Agriculture, BLPA, farmers, and international partners. He said this joint effort will continue as talks advance on a regional eradication plan.