The first US human case of New World screwworm, a flesh-eating parasite, has been confirmed. The patient recently traveled from El Salvador. While the US government assures the public health risk is low, the cattle industry is concerned about potential economic impacts, estimating a Texas outbreak could cost $1.8 billion. Discrepancies exist between government and industry reports on the case's origin. The government is taking preventative measures, including building a sterile fly facility in Texas.

Prepared by Olivia Bennett and reviewed by editorial team.