First human screwworm case linked to travel confirmed in U.S., HHS says
It is usually found in South America and the Caribbean. Those at higher risk of suffering from the condition include people living in rural areas in places where NWS is endemic, and where livestock are raised, as well as people with open sores or wounds, and vulnerable populations, the CDC says.
There is no medication to treat it, according to the agency.
Late last year, Texas officials posted an advisory for outdoor enthusiasts in South Texas after New World screwworm was found in a cow in the southern Mexican state of Chiapas. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department said New World screwworm had been making its way further north through the Americas.
“As a protective measure, animal health officials ask those along the southern Texas border to monitor wildlife, livestock and pets for clinical signs of NWS and immediately report potential cases,” the department said at the time.
In June, the U.S. government released a policy initiative aimed at stopping the spread of New World screwworms in live cattle and other animal imports, including a plan to build an insect dispersal facility in Texas.
