California issues advisory on a parasitic fly whose maggots can infest living humans

"The New World Screwworm has rapidly spread northward from Panama since 2023 and farther into Central America. As of early September, the parasitic fly was present in seven states in southern Mexico, where 720 humans have been infested and six of them have died. More than 111,000 animals also have been infested, health officials said. In early August, a person traveling from El Salvador to Maryland was discovered to have been infested, federal officials said."

"After the Maryland incident, the California Department of Public Health decided to issue a health advisory this month warning that the New World Screwworm could arrive in California from an infested traveler or animal, or from the natural travel of the flies. Graphic images of New World Screwworm infestations show open wounds in cows, deer, pigs, chickens, horses and goats, infesting a wide swath of the body from the neck, head and mouth to the belly and legs."

The New World Screwworm fly (Cochliomyia hominivorax) has spread northward from Panama since 2023 into Central America and seven states in southern Mexico, causing 720 human infestations and six deaths, and infesting over 111,000 animals. In early August a traveler from El Salvador to Maryland was found infested, but the fly has not been detected in the surrounding wild. California issued a health advisory warning that the fly could arrive via infested people, animals, or natural fly movement. Maggots can infest livestock, birds, pets, and humans, causing open wounds and posing health risks and potential severe economic consequences.

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