Breakthrough Alert: First Human Case of Flesh-Eating Screwworm Parasite Found in the U.S.

The new world screwworm parasite has made headlines recently, with the first human case reported in the U.S. This case involves an individual who traveled to El Salvador. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) confirmed the diagnosis, and officials from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) say the overall risk to public health is low.

Interestingly, there were reports of another case in Maryland related to travel in Guatemala, though it’s unclear if they are connected. A deep dive into the parasite reveals its serious impact on cattle and wildlife, especially in Central America where it thrives.

A historical perspective shows that the new world screwworm caused devastation in the 1980s and 1990s, leading to costly eradication efforts. Though it was eradicated, it has returned over the past two years.

To combat this threat, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins announced a comprehensive plan on August 15. This includes breeding billions of sterile flies to drop from the air over affected areas. The idea is that sterile males will mate with females, but without hatching eggs, ultimately reducing the population. This strategy worked effectively back in the 1960s during a previous outbreak.

Texas Governor Greg Abbot expressed concern over the significant risk posed to the agriculture industry, which supports 2 million jobs and a $867 billion economy. The USDA estimates that a major outbreak could cost Texas around $1.8 billion in livestock losses, labor, and medical expenses.

The screwworm—notoriously known for infesting warm-blooded animals—can lay eggs that hatch into aggressive larvae, often leading to fatal infections in rare cases. The USDA points out that this parasite is spreading north from Mexico, where cases have also been reported, such as one in Xiuhatlán de Madero, Veracruz.

Public concern on social media reflects widespread awareness about the potential harm to livestock and pets. Experts suggest that education about prevention and control will be crucial as this situation develops.

For further details, you can explore the official USDA resources here.

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