First Human Case of Screwworm Infection Found in Maryland
Maryland has reported its first human case of a travel-related screwworm infection, according to the Department of Health and Human Services. The patient had recently traveled to El Salvador, where there is an ongoing outbreak of this parasite.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) collaborated with Maryland health officials to investigate this case. On August 4, experts confirmed the diagnosis after examining images of larvae from the patient. Health spokesperson Andrew Nixon reassured the public, stating, “The risk to public health in the United States from this introduction is very low.”
Screwworms are known for being parasites that infest live flesh. When a female lays her eggs near a person’s wound or on their skin, the larvae can enter the body, particularly through the nose or ears. This type of parasitic infection, called myiasis, can also spread through ticks and mosquitoes if they carry the eggs.
Infected individuals may develop lumps under their skin as the larvae grow, and if not treated quickly, the condition can be serious, even fatal.
The CDC noted that myiasis is not common in the U.S. Most cases in the country occur in people who have traveled to tropical regions where the infection is more prevalent. Livestock, including cattle, sheep, and goats, are particularly vulnerable to screwworms, making it a significant threat to agriculture.
Just last week, it was reported that a similar screwworm case was identified in Maryland linked to a traveler from Guatemala, leading to some confusion about the origins of these cases.
In response to the threat posed by screwworms, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced plans to establish a sterile fly facility in Texas. This effort aims to minimize the economic impact of any potential outbreaks. Experts estimate that an outbreak in Texas could cost around $1.8 billion due to livestock losses, labor, and treatment costs.
So far this year, there have been no confirmed cases of the screwworm affecting animals in the U.S. The USDA was contacted for further comments on this issue.
Stay tuned for more health updates as this situation develops.
