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What does screwworm do?

Asked 3 hours ago

Answer

Screwworms are parasitic flies whose larvae burrow into the flesh of warm-blooded animals, causing painful infestations that can be fatal if untreated. They primarily affect livestock but can also infect humans.

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CNN

Flesh-eating screwworm diagnosed in person in the U.S.

CNN · Just In
CNN
CNN
Just In
  • First US travel-related human case of flesh-eating screwworm confirmed after trip to El Salvador.
  • Outbreaks of New World screwworm are ongoing in Central and South America and the Caribbean. 20s
  • US suspends live cattle, horse, and bison imports through southern border ports. 40s
  • CDC advises keeping wounds covered to prevent infestation; treatment involves removing larvae. 50s
  • Authorities use sterile fly releases to control the spread in infection zones. 1m 31s
HealthRural & Agriculture

References

Flesh-eating screwworm diagnosed in person in the U.S.
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CNN
4 hours ago
Flesh-eating screwworm diagnosed in person in the U.S.

These parasitic flies lay eggs in open wounds; larvae infest tissue, causing pain and sometimes requiring surgery for removal. They devastate livestock and can threaten food supply and national security.

U.S. confirms first human case of travel-associated screwworm
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Reuters
19 hours ago
U.S. confirms first human case of travel-associated screwworm

The parasite eats cattle and other warm-blooded animals alive. Screwworms are parasitic flies whose females lay eggs in wounds; larvae burrow through living flesh, eventually killing hosts if untreated.

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