Health officials in the United States have issued a warning after confirming the country’s first human case of a flesh-eating parasite called the New World screwworm. This parasite, which is a type of fly, feeds on living tissue and can cause serious and painful infestations in both humans and animals. The condition caused by this parasite is known as myiasis, where maggots grow and feed on the flesh of their host.
The case was identified in Maryland and officially confirmed on August 4 by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Maryland Health Department. The infected person had recently traveled to El Salvador, a country where the parasite is more common. According to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), this was the first known human case of travel-associated New World screwworm in the U.S. The patient has since recovered, and officials say there is no evidence that the parasite has spread to other people or animals in the country.
New World screwworms are not native to the United States and are mainly found in South America and parts of the Caribbean. They usually spread when a female fly lays eggs in the open wound of a warm-blooded animal or human. The eggs hatch into larvae, also known as maggots, which burrow into the wound and feed on the tissue. This can cause severe pain, open sores that do not heal, bleeding, and a foul-smelling discharge. In some cases, people may even feel the larvae moving inside their wounds, nose, mouth, or eyes. If left untreated, these infestations can lead to bacterial infections, fever, and even death in severe cases.
Although the CDC has assured that the risk of a widespread outbreak in the U.S. is very low, certain people may face higher risks. Travelers to affected regions, people who spend time around livestock, those with open wounds, individuals who sleep outdoors, and those with weakened immune systems are more likely to be exposed to the parasite.
To combat any potential threat, U.S. agriculture officials have launched measures to prevent the parasite from spreading to animals and livestock, as screwworm infestations can devastate cattle herds, harm wildlife, and even kill pets. Agriculture Secretary Brooke L. Rollins announced a five-part strategy that includes breeding sterile screwworm flies and releasing them in areas like southern Texas and northern Mexico to stop the parasite from reproducing and spreading further.
Health experts advise anyone returning from regions where the screwworm is present to monitor any wounds or sores closely. If they notice unusual symptoms such as pain, worsening wounds, bleeding, or signs of maggots, they should seek medical attention immediately. Early detection and treatment are crucial to prevent severe tissue damage and further health complications.
