Screwworm Alert in the US: First Human Case Reported

An alert has been issued in the United States following the detection of the first human case of screwworm infestation. The incident involves an individual in Maryland who had recently traveled from Guatemala.

The diagnosis was made last week, and the patient received immediate treatment. The female fly lays its eggs in open wounds of animals or humans, with the larvae feeding on living tissue.

Health authorities and livestock farmers are on alert, as the US imports over one million cattle annually from Mexico, increasing the risk of spread. A potential epidemic in Texas could cause damages of $1.8 billion.

The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) is using the method of releasing sterile insects to prevent the spread. Mexico is also investing in a sterile fly production facility.

According to experts, the release of approximately 500 million sterile flies per week will be needed to contain the parasite.