The United States has reported its first human case of flesh-eating New World screwworm in a Maryland resident who recently traveled to El Salvador, where an outbreak is ongoing.
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According to Reuters, the patient began showing symptoms shortly after returning and was diagnosed on August 4, 2025, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed.
Flesh-eating screwworms are parasitic fly larvae that feed on living tissue, causing severe, potentially life-threatening infections if not treated quickly. While human cases are rare, CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky emphasized the importance of seeking immediate medical care if symptoms appear after travel.
The outbreak also poses a serious threat to livestock, as infestations can devastate animal herds and lead to major financial losses. In response, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) confirmed the case on August 24, 2025, highlighting monitoring of travel-related risks and coordination with Central American health agencies.
Meanwhile, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is constructing a sterile fly facility in Texas and has temporarily halted cattle imports from Mexico to prevent further spread. Officials stress that early detection and treatment are crucial to protecting both public health and agriculture.
