First human case of flesh-eating screwworm detected in U.S.

Disease Overview - The New World screwworm is a flesh-eating parasite that infests warm-blooded animals through wounds, with larvae burrowing into living flesh [1] - Infestation is described as a severe and unpleasant infection [1][2] Impact on Livestock and Trade - The parasite poses a major threat to cattle and other livestock [2] - Concerns in Mexico, approximately 370 miles south of Texas, led to a temporary pause in US cattle imports [2] Human Health Implications - A human case was confirmed in Maryland in a person who recently traveled to El Salvador [3] - While public health officials consider the risk to people to be low, the news is noteworthy [3] - In Mexico, one person has died and dozens more have been infected by the parasite [4] - Texas Agriculture Commissioner stated that 40 human infections is a number that cannot be ignored [4] Mitigation Strategies - Fly bait is being used as a solution, with a private company involved in efforts to stop the pest in southern Mexico [5] - Sterile flies produced in Panama are being considered to prevent the parasite from reproducing [5]