A flesh-eating parasite, the New World screwworm (NWS), has been detected in a Maryland resident who recently traveled to El Salvador. NWS, a parasitic fly whose larvae eat living tissue, is rare in the U.S., having been eradicated in 1966. The infection causes painful wounds, and treatment involves removing the maggots. While the risk is currently low, the CDC advises covering wounds and using insect repellent when traveling to areas where NWS is prevalent. The U.S. is working to prevent its spread, using methods such as releasing sterilized male flies.

Prepared by Olivia Bennett and reviewed by editorial team.