Most of the patients are older adults (five men and an equal number of women) living in the rural and peri-urban communities of Jalapa, Jutiapa, Chiquimula and Santa Rosa, the health ministry said in a statement in which it called the population to reinforce prevention measures.

It suggested to adequately cover any wound, to maintain personal and home care, to protect oneself in rural environments and to go to the nearest health service in case of any suspicious lesion.

The Ministry reminded that this disease is not contagious and is not transmitted between people, “the screwworm can only affect humans or animals when the adult fly lays its eggs on an open and unhygienic wound”.

The Mspas confirmed that together with the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Food (MAGA) it is coordinating actions to identify possible sources of infestation and prevent new cases.

The accumulated cases of screwworm have risen to 990 since the alarm was launched in Guatemala on October 29, with 71 new cases last week among canines, cattle, horses and pigs.

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