Flesh-Eating Parasite Discovered in the US
A person in the United States has been identified as having contracted a flesh-eating parasite known as the New World screwworm. This is the first such case in the country, according to the Department of Health and Human Services.
The individual had recently returned from a trip to El Salvador when the diagnosis was confirmed. Despite this alarming development, officials have assured the public that the overall risk to health in the United States remains low.
Previous Incidents and Impact
There have been unverified reports of a similar incident in Maryland involving a person who had visited Guatemala, though it is unclear if this is the same case. The parasite in question is the larvae of the New World screwworm fly, which can cause severe damage to cattle populations and wildlife. It has even been known to result in the death of household pets.
The screwworm has been a recurring issue in Central America, including Mexico, causing significant outbreaks in the 1980s and 1990s. Despite extensive and costly efforts to eradicate the parasite, it has made a comeback in recent years.
Steps Towards Eradication
Efforts are underway to tackle this parasitic threat. The Secretary of Agriculture announced a comprehensive five-part plan to combat the screwworm, which includes breeding billions of sterilized flies. These flies will be released over Southern Texas and Mexico with the aim of limiting the parasite's spread.
The sterilization process works by ensuring the eggs laid by the female flies after mating with the sterilized males do not hatch. Over time, this results in a decrease in the screwworm population, eventually causing it to die out. This method has proven effective in the past, specifically during a screwworm outbreak in the 1960s.
However, there may be pressure to expedite this process. Initially, the plan was not set to be fully operational for two to three years.
Economic Implications
Aside from the health risks, there are significant economic implications associated with a screwworm outbreak. Texas, for instance, has a robust agriculture industry, employing 2 million people and valued at $867 billion. This entire industry could be jeopardized by the presence of the New World screwworm.
The United States Department of Agriculture estimates that a screwworm outbreak in Texas could cost upwards of $1.8 billion. This accounts for livestock deaths, labor costs, and medication.
Understanding the Parasite
The New World screwworm, also known as cochliomyia hominivorax, is a small parasitic fly with a big and devastating impact. Female flies lay eggs in any warm-blooded animal. These eggs then hatch, releasing hundreds of screwworm larvae. The larvae burrow into their host in a manner likened to a screw's motion, hence the name.
Although human infections can be fatal, they are rare and most cases can be treated effectively. Despite this, the screwworms have been slowly moving north from other parts of Central America into Mexico. The parasites are also endemic in Cuba, Haiti, the Dominican Republic, and some South American nations.