Flesh-eating flies are eating their way through Mexico, CDC warns

"In September, the USDA warned that an 8-month-old cow with an active NWS infection was found in a feedlot in the Mexican state of Nuevo León, just 70 miles from the border. The finding prompted Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller to step up warnings about the threat. " The screwworm is dangerously close," Miller said at the time. "It nearly wiped out our cattle industry before; we need to act forcefully now.""

"According to the USDA's latest data, Nuevo León has seen three cases in the outbreak, with none that are currently active. But, its neighboring state, Tamaulipas, is having a flare-up, with eight animal cases considered active. The Mexican state shares a border with the southern-most portion of Texas. Mexico overall has reported 24 hospitalizations among people and 601 animal cases."

""However, given the potential for geographic spread, CDC is issuing this Health Advisory to increase awareness of the outbreak and to summarize CDC recommendations for clinicians and health departments in the United States on case identification and reporting, specimen collection, diagnosis, and treatment of NWS, as well as guidance for the public," the agency said. Generally, the agency advises being on the lookout for egg masses or fly larvae in wounds or infection sites, especially if there's destruction of living tissue or feelings of movement."

Across Central America and Mexico there have been 1,190 human NWS cases and seven deaths. More than 148,000 animals have been affected. An infected 8-month-old cow was found in a feedlot in Nuevo León about 70 miles from the U.S. border, prompting heightened warnings. Nuevo León has recorded three outbreak cases (none active) while neighboring Tamaulipas has eight active animal cases. Mexico overall reported 24 hospitalizations and 601 animal cases. The CDC considers human risk low but warns of geographic spread, issues clinician and public guidance, and recommends prompt reporting and lethal removal of larvae, preferably by drowning in 70% ethanol.

Read at Ars Technica