Flesh-Eating Human Parasite Resurfaces in Central America, Raises New Concerns

A resurgence of the New World screwworm (Cochliomyia hominivorax), a flesh-eating parasite that primarily targets livestock however may infect people, has prompted warnings from U.S. officers. The parasite, native to South America and the Caribbean, was considered largely eradicated within the U.S. and Central America by way of sterilisation programmes within the mid-Twentieth century. Recent detections in Mexico and an increase in instances throughout Central America since 2023 recommend a troubling comeback, as per reviews.

Parasite Impact on Livestock and Humans

The parasite’s lifecycle begins when feminine screwworm flies deposit eggs in open wounds or orifices of warm-blooded animals. Upon hatching, the larvae burrow into the host’s flesh, feeding and inflicting painful wounds that develop bigger because the infestation progresses. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), screwworms can lay as much as 300 eggs in a single occasion, with a lifespan permitting a number of egg-laying cycles. No authorised medical therapy exists for these infestations, and bodily elimination of larvae stays the one possibility.

Reports point out that Panama has been closely affected, with instances escalating from 25 yearly earlier than 2023 to over 22,600 confirmed incidents as of December 2024. Costa Rica has additionally witnessed an increase in human instances, with one fatality confirmed earlier this 12 months, in response to the U.S. Embassy in Costa Rica.

Preventative Measures and Monitoring Efforts

Reportedly, to curb the parasite’s unfold into the U.S., the Department of Agriculture (USDA) has imposed restrictions on livestock imports from Mexico. A barrier zone, maintained collectively by the U.S. and Panama since 2006, is being monitored carefully. Officials urge folks in affected areas to guard open wounds, apply insect repellents, and report any indicators of screwworm infestations in animals, as per reviews. 

Efforts to regulate the parasite’s resurgence proceed, with authorities underscoring the significance of early detection and preventive practices.