The Terrifying “Flesh-Eating” Worm Strikes Again in the USA, Sending the Entire Continent into Panic!
The comeback of the New World screwworm (Cochliomyia hominivorax) has sparked health concerns across America. This flesh-eating parasite has made a strong resurgence from Central America, now even reaching the United States. With no vaccine or preventive treatment available, the damage it can cause to humans, livestock, and wildlife presents a significant challenge both economically and in terms of public health.
### The return of an old enemy
The outbreak originated in Panama in 2023 and has since spread to several countries in Central America, with over 20,000 reported cases. In August 2025, the first human case linked to a traveler from El Salvador was confirmed in Maryland, highlighting the real risk of reintroduction.
### A devastating parasite
The screwworm lays its eggs in open wounds, with the larvae then invading live tissue, causing pain, infections, and potential death. In livestock, a single outbreak can decimate entire herds, leading to substantial financial losses. Wildlife has also been impacted, showing the ecological reach of this parasite’s devastation.
### Strategies and economic threats
In the past, the US successfully eradicated the screwworm using the sterile insect technique. Plans are now in place to reactivate this strategy with a new facility in Texas, but it won’t be operational for another few years. The agricultural sector is concerned about potential losses of $1.8 billion, jeopardizing jobs and food security.
Authorities in the US have confirmed the first human case of the “flesh-eating worm” in a man who recently traveled to El Salvador. The urgency for cooperation among organizations like the World Organization for Animal Health and OIRSA is evident, with a call for strengthened surveillance, cross-border measures, and active prevention campaigns. Travelers are also advised to take precautions in rural areas to prevent the reintroduction of this dangerous parasite.
