Cases of flesh-eating screwworm on the rise in Mexico
Summary
Cases of a flesh-eating parasite called the New World screwworm are increasing in Mexico. The parasite mostly affects animals like cattle but has also been found in humans. U.S. health officials recently reported a case in a person who returned from El Salvador, although the parasite was previously eradicated in the U.S.Key Facts
- The number of screwworm infestation cases in animals in Mexico rose by 53% in four weeks.
- Infestations affect cattle, dogs, horses, sheep, and humans.
- In the U.S., the first human case was confirmed in a person returning from El Salvador.
- The New World screwworm was eradicated in the U.S. by 1966 and in Mexico by 1991.
- The screwworm is common in tropical and subtropical regions of Central and South America.
- The parasite lays eggs in open wounds, leading to an infestation known as myiasis.
- An 86-year-old woman in Mexico died due to complications from a screwworm infestation.
- Preventive measures include keeping wounds clean and covered and using repellents.
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