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- First human screwworm case in U.S. in 50 years detected in Maryland traveler
- Patient contracted parasite while visiting El Salvador during regional outbreak
- Health officials confirm risk to general public remains “very low”
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Quick Brief
2-Minute Digest
Essential Context
Health officials confirmed the first human case of New World screwworm in the United States in approximately 50 years. The Maryland resident developed the parasitic infection after traveling to El Salvador, where a significant outbreak is currently affecting livestock across Central America.
Core Players
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services – Leading public health response
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – Providing technical guidance
- U.S. Department of Agriculture – Managing animal health implications
- Maryland Department of Health – Handling local case investigation
Key Numbers
- 50 years – Time since last human screwworm case in U.S.
- Very low – Current public health risk assessment
- 1966 – Year screwworm eradicated from U.S. mainland
- 10+ countries – Currently affected by Central American outbreak
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The Catalyst
Health officials identified New World screwworm myiasis in a Maryland resident who recently returned from El Salvador. This marks the first travel-associated human case identified in the United States from the current Central American outbreak.
“This is the first human case of travel-associated New World screwworm myiasis from an outbreak-affected country identified in the United States,” stated HHS spokesperson Andrew Nixon in an official announcement.
Inside Forces
New World screwworm is a parasitic fly whose larvae burrow into living tissue of warm-blooded animals. The maggots feed on healthy tissue, causing progressive damage that can be fatal if untreated.
Unlike most flies that lay eggs in dead tissue, screwworms target living flesh through open wounds, surgical incisions, or even intact skin in rare cases. The parasite primarily affects livestock but can occasionally infect humans.
Power Dynamics
The USDA maintains a permanent barrier zone in Central America to prevent screwworm reinfestation of the United States. This program releases sterile male flies to disrupt breeding cycles in outbreak regions.
During outbreaks, the USDA works with affected countries to implement emergency control measures while HHS and CDC monitor potential human health implications.
Outside Impact
Livestock producers across Central America face significant economic losses as the outbreak spreads. Infected animals require intensive treatment or euthanasia to prevent suffering.
Travelers to affected regions should take precautions with any open wounds. The CDC recommends covering wounds with clean, dry bandages and using insect repellent when visiting outbreak areas.
Future Forces
Health officials will monitor for additional travel-associated cases as the Central American outbreak continues. Enhanced screening may be implemented at points of entry from affected regions.
- Expanded surveillance for human cases in border states
- Increased sterile fly releases in outbreak zones
- Public education campaigns for travelers
- Potential temporary livestock import restrictions
Data Points
- 1957: U.S. begins screwworm eradication program
- 1966: Screwworm eradicated from U.S. mainland
- 1991: Eradicated from entire North America
- 2023: Current Central American outbreak begins
- 2025: First U.S. human case in 50 years detected
While the Maryland case represents a rare human infection, established prevention programs and geographic barriers make widespread transmission in the U.S. highly unlikely. Travelers to affected regions should remain vigilant about wound care, but the general public faces minimal risk from this isolated incident.
