Summary
A person in the U.S. got a rare infection called New World screwworm after traveling to El Salvador. The disease, usually affecting animals, is not easily spread between people. U.S. health officials are taking steps to prevent further cases.
Key Facts
- A person was diagnosed with New World screwworm after returning from El Salvador.
- This is the first known U.S. case related to travel to a region with an outbreak.
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed the diagnosis on August 4.
- The infection mainly affects animals and rarely affects humans.
- U.S. officials say the disease does not spread from person to person.
- The screwworm lays eggs in open wounds or body openings like eyes and ears.
- The CDC is working with other agencies to stop the spread of the screwworm.
- The parasite was a problem in the past, especially for cattle, but was largely removed in the U.S. in the 1970s.
