First Human Case of Flesh-Eating Screwworm Parasite Reported in the US: What You Need to Know

Health officials recently confirmed the first human case of the flesh-eating parasite, New World screwworm, in the U.S. This case emerged in Maryland after a traveler returned from El Salvador. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Maryland Department of Health verified the diagnosis.

New World screwworm larvae typically infest warm-blooded animals. They can lay eggs in open wounds, causing severe tissue damage. A single female can deposit 200 to 300 eggs at once, which hatch into maggots. These maggots feed on the living flesh before dropping to the ground and transforming into adult flies.

Infestations are rare in the U.S., mainly occurring in South America and the Caribbean. However, travelers who come into contact with livestock or have open wounds are at higher risk. Symptoms to watch out for include:

• Maggots near open sores
• Wounds that worsen over time
• Bleeding from sores
• Unpleasant smells from infected areas
• Sensation of movement in wounds or openings like the nose or mouth

The CDC emphasizes low public health risk in the U.S. due to the isolated nature of the case. Just last week, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced new guidelines that allow the FDA to authorize drugs for treating these infestations in animals.

To illustrate the concern around this parasite, a recent survey indicated that more than half of Americans are unaware of such parasites. Awareness is vital, especially as travel increases and livestock interactions rise.

For further information, you can refer to credible sources like the CDC or the HHS.

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