A Maryland resident has been diagnosed with a New World Screwworm (NWS) infection after returning from El Salvador. The patient has since fully recovered, and U.S. health authorities have confirmed no further spread within the country. The overall risk remains very low.
What Is the New World Screwworm?
The screwworm is the larval stage of a fly that burrows into and consumes living tissue, causing severe damage in both humans and animals. While the U.S. successfully eradicated the parasite in the 1960s, outbreaks have reemerged in Central America and Mexico, raising concerns about possible northward spread and risks to the American cattle industry.
Preventive Measures
To contain potential threats, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has invested over $750 million in a facility in Texas that breeds and releases sterile male flies into the wild, a proven method to suppress reproduction. Authorities are also urging doctors and farmers to remain vigilant and report suspected cases in both humans and animals immediately.
This case serves as a reminder of the importance of constant monitoring and rapid response to prevent invasive pests from reestablishing themselves in the United States.
Source: Herald-Mail Media
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