WASHINGTON (DC News Now) -- The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) reported the first human case of New World screwworm, the flesh-eating parasite, in the United States, according to Reuters.

The news agency said HHS reported the travel-related case was in Maryland and that the person infected had returned there from El Salvador.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) explains that New World screwworm (NWS) infestation occurs when NWS fly larvae (Cochliomyia hominivorax) take over the tissue or flesh of warm-blooded animals. In places where the flies are present, people can become infested.

The CDC says screwworm flies are attracted to and lay eggs on and in open wounds. NWS typically does occur or spread in the U.S. The parasite usually is found in South

See Full Page