The U.S. Records First Human Case of Flesh-Eating Screwworm Infection
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has reported the first human case of screwworm disease in the United States, linked to international travel. The infection is caused by a parasitic flesh-eating fly and originated from a country currently experiencing an outbreak.
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Mexico has also reported its first human case of cutaneous myiasis, a similar parasitic skin condition.
Andrew J. Nixon, a spokesperson for the Department of Health and Human Services, told Reuters via email that the Maryland Department of Health and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) conducted tests and confirmed the case on August 4. The infection was traced back to a patient who had recently traveled to El Salvador.
Earlier, Reuters reported that beef industry sources said the CDC had confirmed a screwworm case in Maryland, involving a person who traveled to the U.S. from Guatemala. Nixon did not address the discrepancy about the source of the infection.
He added, “The public health risk from this case in the United States is extremely low.”
A spokesperson for the Maryland Health Department did not respond to requests for comment.
No animal cases have been confirmed in the U.S. so far this year.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture estimated that an outbreak could cost the Texas economy—America’s largest cattle-producing state—about $1.8 billion due to livestock deaths, labor costs, and medication expenses.
What Are Flesh-Eating Screwworms?
Screwworms are parasitic flies whose females lay eggs in the wounds of warm-blooded animals. Once the eggs hatch, hundreds of sharp-mouthed larvae burrow into living flesh, feeding on it. If left untreated, this can eventually lead to the death of the host.
The larvae feed in a spiral motion, much like a screw being driven into wood—hence the name.
These parasites are deadly to livestock and destructive to wildlife. Though rare in humans, infections can be fatal in both animals and people if untreated.
Treatment is complex and involves removing hundreds of larvae and thoroughly cleaning the wounds. However, chances of survival are high if treatment begins early.
