Summary
A case of a flesh-eating parasite called New World screwworm has been reported in a person in the United States. The person had traveled from El Salvador, where there is an ongoing outbreak. Authorities say the parasite mainly affects animals and the risk to people in the US is low.
Key Facts
- The first human case of New World screwworm in the US involved a person returning from El Salvador.
- New World screwworm causes a parasitic infection using fly larvae known as maggots.
- The infection usually affects animals, but sometimes it can affect humans, especially those with open wounds.
- An outbreak of this parasite is present in Central America and Mexico.
- US health officials, including the CDC and Maryland's health department, investigated the case.
- The USDA warns that an outbreak in livestock could have significant economic impacts.
- Measures are being taken by US agencies to address the screwworm outbreak.
