First travel -related human screwworm case detected in Maryland
The emergence of a travel-associated human screwworm infection has been detected in Maryland, according to Andrew Nixon, spokesperson for the Ministry of Health and Human Services. The patient had recently returned from a trip to El Salvador, a country affected by an outbreak of screwworm. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) collaborated with the Maryland Department of Health to investigate the matter.
Experts confirmed the diagnosis on August 4 after assessing larval images. Nixon reassured the public that the risk for public health in the United States due to this introduction is very low.
Screwworm, also known as Myiasis, is a parasitic infestation of fly larvae that feeds on living tissue. The condition can occur when female flies deposit their eggs on or near wounds, nose, or ears of a person. It can also be transmitted by ticks and mosquitoes after the flies attach their eggs to these insects.
If left untreated, the larvae can grow and consume the surrounding tissue, which can be fatal if not treated promptly. While myiasis is not common in the US, most cases occur in individuals who have traveled to tropical regions where the condition is more prevalent.
Livestock such as cattle, sheep, and goats are particularly vulnerable to screwworm infestations, leading to significant economic losses. The USDA recently announced plans to establish a sterile fly facility in Texas to combat the spread of screwworms, which could potentially save billions of dollars in losses.
This summer, the USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins unveiled a plan to tackle the issue, highlighting the importance of preventing screwworm outbreaks in the US. While there have been no confirmed cases in animals this year, vigilance and preventive measures are crucial in safeguarding public health.
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Ashley J. Dimella is a lifestyle reporter with Fox News Digital.
