Deadly cattle screwworm parasite found in US patient. What to know

[Coventina]

A human case of flesh-eating screwworm was detected in the United States related to the latest outbreak of the parasite in Central America, according to officials.

The patient had recently returned to Maryland after traveling to El Salvador, Andrew G. Nixon, a spokesperson for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, told Reuters in an email.

On Aug. 4, the Maryland Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention confirmed the parasite as a New World screwworm, but said it is travel-related.

***snip***

The larva of the New World screwworm flies feed on living tissue, and mainly impacts animals and livestock. But humans can also become infested by the larva, according to the CDC.

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2025/08/25/new-world-screwworm-human-case/85813010007/?utm_source=firefox-newtab-en-us

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Going vegetarian is a way to lower this risk!

Less cattle = less screwworms

[Blue Owl]

1. Many are saying, when they hear the word "screwworm," their first thought is of RFK Jr.

I know I do...

[hlthe2b]

2. well for all those COVID-19 morons pushing everything except vaccines, screwworm is one instance where

Ivermectin is actually useful--(after physical and often surgical removal of all the parasites) and antibiotics for any secondary infection.

So, while I don't wish this nightmare to return to the US (eradicated in the US and Mexico in the mid-50s using sterilized flies, and that will be required once again). But, I would dearly love to give MAGAT antivaxxers and other anti-science morons something else to worry about.