NEW YORK, NY – New Yorkers and other Americans who have recently traveled to South America, Cuba, Haiti, or the Dominican Republic may have visited areas where a dangerous parasite could cause a New World screwworm infestation, health officials warned Thursday.
A current outbreak affecting countries from Panama to southern Mexico has prompted the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene to issue an alert, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The New World Screwworm is a parasitic fly larva that burrows into the tissue of warm-blooded animals, including humans and pets. The condition, known medically as myiasis, occurs when screwworm flies lay their eggs in open wounds, cuts, or natural body openings such as the nose, mouth, and eyes.
Once the eggs hatch, the maggots feed on living tissue, causing severe damage and potentially life-threatening infections. The larvae produce a distinctive foul odor as they burrow deeper into the wound, and bacterial infections often develop at the infestation site.
Symptoms of screwworm infestation in humans include fever, chills, visible maggots in wounds, and an unpleasant smell from the affected area. People who have recently returned from affected regions and notice these symptoms should seek immediate medical attention.
The parasite poses risks to both humans and animals. Pet owners who traveled to outbreak areas with their animals should consult a veterinarian if their pets show signs of wounds that are not healing properly or exhibit unusual behavior.
Doctors treating suspected cases may need to perform surgery to remove all larvae from infected tissue. The CDC emphasizes that early detection and treatment are crucial to preventing serious complications.
The outbreak in Central America and the Caribbean has raised concerns among health officials, particularly given the parasite’s ability to spread rapidly among mammal populations. Texas border regions are also monitoring the situation closely due to proximity to affected areas in Mexico.
Residents of Maryland and other states have received similar warnings as travelers return from vacation destinations in the Caribbean and South America during the peak travel season.
Health authorities recommend that anyone who has traveled to affected countries and has open wounds or unexplained symptoms should contact their healthcare provider immediately. Prevention includes keeping all wounds clean and covered while in outbreak areas and avoiding regions where the infestation is active.
For more information about New World Screwworm, residents can visit the CDC website or contact their local health department.
