The U.S. confirms its first human case of New World screwworm. What is it?
The U.S. confirms its first human case of New World screwworm. What is it?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has confirmed the first U.S. human case of New World screwworm in a traveler returning from El Salvador. While the risk to public health is currently low, the parasite, known for its flesh-eating larvae that infest warm-blooded animals, poses a significant threat to the U.S. cattle industry. Federal authorities, including the USDA, are taking significant steps to prevent its spread, which was previously eradicated in the U.S. in the mid-20th century.
Note
i have heard about the sterlie insect technique as a possible tool in the fight against malaria.
what i didn't know is that it's a much older technique and the reason why the screwworm wasn't in my backyard growing up...
Published
2025
Summary
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has confirmed the first U.S. human case of New World screwworm in a traveler returning from El Salvador. While the risk to public health is currently low, the parasite, known for its flesh-eating larvae that infest warm-blooded animals, poses a significant threat to the U.S. cattle industry. Federal authorities, including the USDA, are taking significant steps to prevent its spread, which was previously eradicated in the U.S. in the mid-20th century.
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