U.S. Reports First Human Cases of Flesh-Eating Screwworms and Bacteria

A rare case of flesh-eating screwworm in the U.S. has been reported in a traveler returning from Central America, but health officials say the risk to the public is very low due to the parasite's limited presence and effective containment measures. The screwworm, a fly whose larvae can cause severe tissue damage, mainly affects livestock but can infect humans through open wounds. Ongoing efforts in Central America and Mexico aim to control outbreaks, and the U.S. has prepared response plans to prevent further spread.