Flesh-eating parasite first human case detected in US recently. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) identified the infection has been spread by New World screwworm, a parasite known to affect animals and humans.
Flesh-eating Parasite First Human Case Detected in US
The first human case of New World screwworm in the United States has raised attention among health agencies. The infection was reported in a Maryland resident after travel to El Salvador. While the patient has recovered, authorities remain cautious due to outbreaks across Central America that have impacted livestock and crossed long-established regional barriers.
First Confirmed Case of Maryland Resident
A Maryland resident returned from El Salvador with a screwworm infection. The patient has recovered, and health authorities confirmed there is no evidence of further spread. HHS said the overall risk to the public is low.
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What is the New World Screwworm?
The New World screwworm is a parasitic fly. Its larvae burrow into living tissue using hooks, causing extensive wounds. If untreated, infestations can be fatal. This parasite mainly affects livestock but can also infect humans.
New World Screwworm Infection Outbreaks in Central America
The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) reported that Panama recorded over 6,500 livestock cases in 2023, compared with around 25 cases annually in earlier years. The parasite has now spread across seven Central American countries after being restricted to South America for decades.
US Measures Against Parasite Spread
Screwworm infection has not been detected in US animals. Past eradication relied on sterile male fly releases to end reproduction. To strengthen defense, the USDA has begun:
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Medical and Emergency Response
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for animal drugs that prevent or treat screwworm infestation. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), travelers to outbreak regions, outdoor sleepers, livestock handlers, and people with open wounds face greater risk of infection.
Risk for the United States
The USDA stated that the parasite poses a threat not only to ranching communities but also to food supply and national security. Continuous prevention, monitoring, and veterinary treatment are considered essential to protect US livestock and humans from New World screwworm.
How was the flesh-eating parasite first human case detected in US?
The Maryland patient contracted the New World screwworm parasite infection after traveling to El Salvador. The person has recovered, and no evidence of further spread has been reported.
What steps are taken after the flesh-eating parasite first human case detected in the US?
The USDA expanded surveillance, restricted livestock imports, built sterile fly facilities, and deployed detection teams. The FDA also authorized emergency animal drugs for screwworm prevention and treatment.
Flesh-eating Parasite First Human Case Detected in US
The first human case of New World screwworm in the United States has raised attention among health agencies. The infection was reported in a Maryland resident after travel to El Salvador. While the patient has recovered, authorities remain cautious due to outbreaks across Central America that have impacted livestock and crossed long-established regional barriers.First Confirmed Case of Maryland Resident
A Maryland resident returned from El Salvador with a screwworm infection. The patient has recovered, and health authorities confirmed there is no evidence of further spread. HHS said the overall risk to the public is low.Also Read: Outlander: Blood of My Blood: How to watch for free? Episode 5 release date, time, where to watch, what to expect, complete episode schedule, Episode 4 recap
What is the New World Screwworm?
The New World screwworm is a parasitic fly. Its larvae burrow into living tissue using hooks, causing extensive wounds. If untreated, infestations can be fatal. This parasite mainly affects livestock but can also infect humans.New World Screwworm Infection Outbreaks in Central America
The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) reported that Panama recorded over 6,500 livestock cases in 2023, compared with around 25 cases annually in earlier years. The parasite has now spread across seven Central American countries after being restricted to South America for decades.US Measures Against Parasite Spread
Screwworm infection has not been detected in US animals. Past eradication relied on sterile male fly releases to end reproduction. To strengthen defense, the USDA has begun:- Building a sterile fly facility in Texas.
- Deploying mounted patrol officers for wildlife monitoring.
- Using detector dogs at ports of entry.
- Restricting imports of live cattle, horses, and bison from Mexico.
- Trade has since been re-opened slowly.
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Medical and Emergency Response
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for animal drugs that prevent or treat screwworm infestation. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), travelers to outbreak regions, outdoor sleepers, livestock handlers, and people with open wounds face greater risk of infection.Risk for the United States
The USDA stated that the parasite poses a threat not only to ranching communities but also to food supply and national security. Continuous prevention, monitoring, and veterinary treatment are considered essential to protect US livestock and humans from New World screwworm.FAQs
How was the flesh-eating parasite first human case detected in US?
The Maryland patient contracted the New World screwworm parasite infection after traveling to El Salvador. The person has recovered, and no evidence of further spread has been reported.
What steps are taken after the flesh-eating parasite first human case detected in the US?
The USDA expanded surveillance, restricted livestock imports, built sterile fly facilities, and deployed detection teams. The FDA also authorized emergency animal drugs for screwworm prevention and treatment.
