The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has confirmed the first human case of travel-associated New World screwworm in the country. The case was detected in Maryland and involved a patient who had recently traveled to El Salvador. According to officials, the confirmation came on August 4 after testing by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Health authorities stated that the risk to public health remains very low. The U.S. government has also clarified that no animal cases have been detected this year. Despite reassurances, the confirmation has raised concerns within the livestock and beef industries, which remain on high alert due to the parasite’s spread from Central America.
Industry groups earlier suggested that the case may have been linked to travel from Guatemala, though officials did not confirm this detail. The uncertainty has added to tensions among cattle ranchers and beef producers. The sector fears that an outbreak could lead to severe economic losses. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has previously estimated that such an outbreak in Texas alone could cost nearly $1.8 billion.
US reports highlight ongoing efforts to prevent the parasite from spreading further. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins recently announced plans to build a sterile fly facility in Texas to combat screwworms. This would be the first such project in the United States in decades.
Screwworms are parasitic flies that lay eggs in wounds of warm-blooded animals. The larvae feed on living tissue and can be fatal if untreated. While rare in humans, infestations can cause serious health risks.
US reports confirm that awareness campaigns and preventive measures are already in place. Officials emphasized that complete transparency and rapid response will be critical to protect both public health and the livestock industry.
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