A Maryland resident has been diagnosed with the first human case of the flesh-eating New World screwworm in decades, following travel to El Salvador amid an ongoing outbreak.
The New World screwworm, notorious for its larvae that feed on living tissue, poses a significant risk to livestock, raising alarms in the agricultural sector.
Health officials report a very low risk to the general public, yet the infection emphasizes the need for awareness among international travelers returning from affected areas.
The case highlights the potential consequences for agriculture, particularly in cattle farming, as screwworm infestations can lead to devastating losses.
Experts have voiced concerns over communication gaps between health agencies and the public, which could undermine trust in the response to such outbreaks.
This alarming incident serves as a reminder of the historical impact of screwworms in the U.S., where they were largely eradicated but now threaten to reemerge due to increased travel and global interconnectedness.