First Human Case of New World Screwworm in the U.S.: What You Need to Know

The New World screwworm, a parasite that eats flesh, has made its way into the U.S., raising alarms. It was first confirmed in humans in August 2023. This case involved a Maryland resident returning from El Salvador, as reported by the CDC. While the immediate health threat remains low, the incident calls for increased vigilance in health care and livestock management.

The screwworm primarily affects livestock, especially cattle. It lays eggs in warm-blooded animals, including humans, leading to painful infestations. Dr. Max Scott from North Carolina State University warns that untreated infestations can escalate quickly, attracting more flies and even spreading to critical organs.

Historically, the screwworm was more widespread in the U.S., particularly in Florida and Texas. It was eradicated in the 1960s using a method called the sterile insect technique, where sterilized males were released into the wild to outcompete the normal population. This program was largely successful for decades, but reports of new cases in parts of Mexico and Central America have raised concerns about its return.

Statistics reveal an increase in cases in Central America, with reports of 124 cases confirmed in Nicaragua and a recent human death in Costa Rica. Experts believe the spread may be due to the movement of infested cattle and possibly a decrease in the effectiveness of the sterilization program.

In response, the U.S. government has halted cattle imports from certain regions and plans to establish a sterile fly production facility in Texas. This could produce up to 300 million sterile flies weekly, aimed at controlling the screwworm population. While this marks a proactive step, agricultural groups express concern about economic impacts, estimating potential losses in the billions.

The challenge remains significant, with agricultural experts emphasizing the need for continued attention and investment to prevent another widespread outbreak.



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