What to know about flesh-eating screwworms (and why you don’t need to panic)
Summary
A case of flesh-eating screwworm was found in the U.S. after a person traveled to El Salvador, but health officials say the risk to public health is very low. Screwworms, mainly affecting livestock, have been largely eradicated in the U.S. since the 1960s, and officials are taking precautions against potential outbreaks from Central America.Key Facts
- Screwworm is a type of parasitic larva that can eat living tissue.
- A person in Maryland was treated for screwworm after returning from El Salvador.
- Screwworms mainly affect animals like livestock, but human cases are rare.
- The U.S. Department of Agriculture is monitoring areas in Maryland, D.C., and Virginia.
- The screwworm is not contagious like viruses or bacteria.
- The risk of a widespread public health issue in the U.S. is considered very low.
- An outbreak in Central America has led to over 49,500 cases, mostly in livestock.
- Officials have methods to control and eradicate screwworms.
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