August 28, 2025 | 04:08 am
A patient in Maryland, United States (US), has died from an infection of maggots, or maggot larvae, from the New World screwworm species. This is the first human case in the US since the parasitic insect was declared to have been successfully eradicated more than 60 years ago.
Andrew G. Nixon, a spokesperson for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, stated that the patient had recently returned from a trip to El Salvador. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) then confirmed the infection of the New World screwworm (Cochliomyia hominivorax) through images of the larvae on August 4th.
Nixon explained, as quoted from the Live Science report on August 26, 2025, that this is the first case of New World screwworm larval parasite infection identified in human tissue in the United States. However, he added, "The risk to public health in the United States from this case is very low."
According to the CDC, screwworms are parasitic flies that lay their eggs in open wounds, the eyes, nose, or mouth of warm-blooded animals. Their larvae then burrow into the host's tissue and cause a painful infestation called myiasis. The infection can be fatal if not promptly treated, although doctors can treat it by removing the larvae.
These parasitic flies usually attack livestock, but can also infect humans. However, because screwworms are insects and not viruses, the disease is not contagious.
The CDC states that screwworms are endemic in South America and the Caribbean, and are not naturally found in the U.S. In the 1960s, this parasite was eradicated through a program of releasing sterile male flies. However, since 2023, its population has increased in Central America and started spreading northward.
In November 2024, the infestation of this type of maggot in Mexico led the US to temporarily halt the import of livestock from the southern border. Imports were resumed in January, but were halted again in May. The U.S. Department of Agriculture is now slowly reopening ports and building new facilities for releasing sterile male flies in southern Texas.
Editor's Choice: First Death Linked to Bird Flu in US Raises Concerns
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
Trump's 50% Tariffs Spark Trade Tensions, Modi Calls for 'Self-Reliance'
8 jam lalu
The US imposed 50 percent tariffs on Indian goods on August 27, as PM Narendra Modi urged citizens to boost domestic purchases for "self-reliance".
German Car Industry Sheds 51,500 Jobs in a Year
1 hari lalu
The dip equates to almost 7% of the total workforce in the German auto sector. Faltering exports to China and the US play a role.
Trump Says U.S. to Revive Shipbuilding Industry with South Korea's Assistance
1 hari lalu
President Trump announces the revival of the American shipbuilding industry with the assistance of South Korea
Trump Claims Israel-Gaza Conflict Could End Within Three Weeks
1 hari lalu
"I think within the next two to three weeks, you're going to have pretty good, conclusive ending," Trump said, as quoted by Al Jazeera.
Navigating Trade Headwinds: India's Strategic Imperative
1 hari lalu
The visit of a US team to India for the sixth round of negotiations on tariffs has been postponed from August 25 to an unspecified later date.
Indonesia and US Begin Joint Annual Military Drills
2 hari lalu
As China is seen as a growing threat by the US, the exercises in Indonesia are said to aim to secure stability in the Asia-Pacific region.
Trump's Tariff Playbook: McKinley's Ghost in a Globalised World
3 hari lalu
On August 27, the tariffs imposed on India by US President Donald Trump are set to double from 25 percent to 50 percent.
SpaceX Successfully Launches US Military Spaceplane
5 hari lalu
It was the 8th flight of X-37B designed for the US Air Force by Boeing. It is set to test laser communications and navigation without GPS use.
Who Is Frank Caprio? 'The Kindest Judge in the World' Dies at 88
5 hari lalu
Frank Caprio, the former judge known for Caught in Providence as the 'kindest judge,' passed away at the age of 88 due to pancreatic cancer.
EU-US Deal Set to Lower Car Tariffs, No Exception for Wine
5 hari lalu
Following threats from Washington, the EU agreed to a 15% tariff on most of its exports to the US, including cars.
