The Brief

MARYLAND - The first human case of New World screwworm was confirmed in the United States after a Maryland resident was diagnosed earlier this month.

What is screwworm?

What we know:

"New World screwworm is a devastating pest," according to the United States Department of Agriculture.

It is a species of parasitic flies that can cause myiasis, which is a parasitic infestation that feeds on live tissue.

The flesh-eating parasite primarily affects livestock, pets, wildlife and occasionally birds, but people can also become infested.

Officials say you are at a higher risk of NWS if you travel to South America and the Caribbean, where it is typically found.

Symptoms

Dig deeper:

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that NWS infestations are very painful and

See Full Page