A medical thriller in Maryland has jolted well being authorities. A traveler getting back from Guatemala was discovered contaminated with the New World screwworm, a flesh-eating parasite lengthy thought banished from American soil. Based on Reuters, it’s the first confirmed human case in america because the parasite started creeping north from Central America final yr.A disturbing prognosisThe case, disclosed final week on a CDC name with state veterinarians, has been confirmed however cloaked in secrecy. Officers stated the affected person has been handled and preventive steps are underway, however privateness legal guidelines have saved names, areas, and medical particulars hidden.The parasite from nightmaresThe screwworm fly earns its chilling identify for good purpose: its larvae burrow into open wounds, spiraling deeper into residing flesh as they feed. Left untreated, the infestation will be deadly, with medical doctors usually pressured to extract tons of of wriggling larvae from a single affected person.Although people can fall sufferer, the parasite’s essential goal is livestock and wildlife. And that’s what makes this Maryland case alarming.Why ranchers are on edgeThe US cattle herd is already at its smallest in seven many years, and beef costs are hovering. An outbreak of screwworms—as soon as eradicated within the Sixties by a pioneering sterile fly program—might devastate the $100-billion beef trade. Specialists warn billions of {dollars} in losses, meals shortages, and additional worth spikes might observe if the parasite beneficial properties a foothold.Racing in opposition to timeThe Division of Agriculture is scrambling to include the risk. Secretary Brooke Rollins introduced plans for a brand new sterile fly plant in Texas, although it might take years to construct. At current, the one operational facility is in Panama, producing 100 million sterile flies every week. Scientists say 5 occasions that quantity is required to halt the northward march. Mexico, too, has launched a $51 million challenge to construct its personal defenses.
