Health officials in the U.S. are worried that New World screwworm — a flesh-eating parasite that typically feeds off livestock — could be making a comeback in North America after a rare human case was identified in Maryland.

Maryland

A rare human case of the new world screwworm, a flesh-eating parasite typically found in livestock, has been reported in Maryland. The patient had recently traveled to El Salvador, and a similar case was previously identified in Toronto involving a traveler from Costa Rica. While human infections are rare and treatable, experts warn that the parasite poses a much greater risk to livestock, with potential for severe economic losses if it spreads.

The screwworm was eradicated in the United States decades ago through the release of sterile male flies, but recent cases and outbreaks in the Caribbean have prompted U.S. officials to increase containment efforts. Although Canadian officials believe the parasite cannot survive their winters, there is concern that climate change and increased travel could raise the risk for North American livestock and travelers.

Human case of screwworm raises fear of parasite’s return

These are the preferred victims of the new world screwworm. The flesh-eating parasite typically feeds on livestock. But U.S. health officials say they've identified a rare human case. A patient in Maryland who recently travelled to El Salvador. It's not as bad as anything you can imagine. Being eaten alive by a maggot is what it is. A human case was also identified in Canada earlier this year. A patient in Toronto who had travelled to Costa Rica. Screwworm can eat through live tissue. It can lead to secondary infections and it can even lead to death. While human cases may be disturbing, they're rare and treatable. Experts say it's much more common in livestock. The parasite is found mainly in Central and South America and the Caribbean. It was eradicated in the U.S. in the 1960s but there are fears it's creeping back north. This can result in billions of dollars of losses a year. It could truly crush the cattle industry. For years the flies were contained thanks to millions of sterile male flies released in affected areas to stop them from breeding. Now U.S. officials plan to release up to a hundred million more flies a week to stop the spread in Panama and Mexico. It has broken free. It's been a problem in some of the Caribbean islands again. And it's been a fear that it's just a matter of time before it re-emerges as a problem in livestock in the United States and maybe even eventually in Canada. But Canada's food inspection agency says the parasite can't survive Canada's cold winters. For ranchers in Texas though, the risk feels too close. It's something that you know it does worry me as a rancher. Health Canada says while this parasite is unlikely to become established in Canada it says with climate change and the move north Canadian travellers could be at risk if they visit affected areas. Alison Northcott, CBC News, Montreal.

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