Human Case of Flesh-Eating Screwworm Reported in Maryland

A case of flesh-eating screwworm has been reported in Maryland, United States. The patient had recently traveled to Central America, where an outbreak of myiasis, an infection caused by screwworm larvae, has been affecting livestock. Myiasis is a rare condition in humans, typically occurring due to the invasion of the body by fly larvae. In this case, the patient likely contracted the infection while in Central America, where the screwworm outbreak has been devastating livestock. The screwworm is a parasitic fly that can lay its eggs in open wounds or sores, leading to the growth of larvae that feed on the host's living tissue. While uncommon in humans, the infection can be serious and requires prompt medical attention. The Maryland case serves as a reminder of the importance of taking precautions when traveling to areas with known screwworm outbreaks, and seeking immediate medical care if any suspicious symptoms arise.