A travel-related human case of New World screwworm infection was confirmed in a traveler from El Salvador and verified by CDC on Aug. 4. NWS is typically found in South America and the Caribbean and infestations occur when female flies lay eggs in open wounds or other vulnerable areas of warm-blooded animals. Livestock are primary hosts, but birds and humans can be affected; flies are attracted to odors from wounds and natural openings. USDA opened an $8.5 million South Texas facility to release sterile flies and launched a five-part plan to strengthen eradication; prevention measures focus on wound care, protective clothing, permethrin treatment, and avoiding night exposure.
According to the CDC, NWS typically is found in South America and the Caribbean. Infestations start when female flies deposit eggs in open wounds or on other vulnerable areas of living, warm-blooded animals. While livestock are the main hosts, birds and humans also can be affected. Female flies are drawn to the odor of wounds or natural openings such as the nose, mouth, eyes, genitals or the umbilical cord of newborn animals.
U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke L. Rollins opened an $8.5 million facility in South Texas for releasing sterile New World screwworm flies and introduced a comprehensive five-part plan to strengthen the the U.S. Department of Agriculture's efforts to detect, control, and eradicate this pest. These measures are crucial to ending the NWS threat. The best defense against myiasis, a parasitic infection caused by the larvae (maggots) of flies, is prevention.
According to the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service and the CDC, follow these steps to help reduce the risk of New World screwworm infestation: If you are traveling or living in tropical regions, to reduce your risk: Keep any cuts or wounds clean and properly covered. Wear long, loose clothing and socks to reduce exposed skin. Treat clothing and gear with 0.5% permethrin products. Stay indoors at night or in screened rooms to avoid insect exposure
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