What You Need To Know
- On January 20th, 2026, CDC released a Health Advisory through their Health Alert Network to share information and notify clinicians, public health authorities, and the public about recent New World screwworm (NWS) animal cases in the Mexican state of Tamaulipas, which shares a border with the U.S. state of Texas. No NWS infestations related to this outbreak have been identified in people or animals in the United States as of January 20, 2026.
- This CDC Health Advisory provides recommendations for clinicians and health departments on NWS case identification and reporting, specimen collection, diagnosis, and treatment. The Health Advisory can be accessed at https://www.cdc.gov/han/php/notices/han00526.html
- NJDOH previously sent out a LINCS message on NWS in September 2025, which can be accessed here.
- Healthcare providers should immediately report suspect human NWS cases to the local health department where the patient resides. Local health department contact information can be found at www.localhealth.nj.gov. If you cannot reach the local health department, contact NJDOH Communicable Disease Service at 609-826-5964 during business hours or 609-392-2020 outside of business hours.