A Maryland resident contracted New World screwworm, a flesh-eating parasite, after traveling from El Salvador. This is the first US case linked to a Central American outbreak affecting animals and impacting food supplies. The CDC and Maryland health officials are investigating, but the risk to the public is deemed low. The US is responding with a new sterile fly production facility and $100 million for detection and treatment, aiming to prevent widespread infestation like the one currently affecting Central America.

Prepared by Olivia Bennett and reviewed by editorial team.