First Case in the U.S.: Flesh-Eating Parasite Infiltrates Human Body

Kokcha News Agency: The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has announced the detection of a “flesh-eating” New World screwworm case in a Maryland resident. The patient had recently returned to the U.S. from El Salvador.

HHS spokesperson Andrew Nixon emphasized that this is the “first human case in the U.S. originating from an epidemic zone” and stated, “The public health risk from this case is very low.”

The Parasite’s Impact
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) highlighted that the larvae burrow into living tissue, rapidly spreading and often leading to fatal outcomes.

In a statement, the USDA said, “These worms embed themselves in the flesh of animals, causing severe damage, and can occasionally affect humans.”

Experts note that the disease, known as “myiasis,” is an infection caused by fly larvae developing in human tissue.

Where is the Flesh-Eating Fly Found?
The New World screwworm is primarily found in South America and the Caribbean.

However, recent cases in cattle herds and some farmers in Mexico have raised alarms in the U.S. In response, authorities have increased inspections at border crossings.

The recent case in Maryland was confirmed on August 4 using a method called “telediagnostics,” where images of larvae taken from the patient were examined by experts. However, no official statement has been made regarding the patient’s current health status.