1st U.S. Travel-Associated Human New World Screwworm Case

Shutterstock photo: Cochliomyia hominivorax, the New World screw-worm fly, or screw-worm for short, is a species of parasitic fly that is well known for the way in which its larvae (maggots) eat the living tissue

(Washington, DC) — Health officials say the first travel-associated human case of New World screwworm in America has been reported in Maryland.

New World screwworm are parasitic flies that attack and eat healthy tissues like livestock and sometimes humans. Multiple reports indicate the patient traveled to the U.S. from El Salvador where there is currently an outbreak.