Flesh-Eating Parasites Spread from Mexico, Trigger Warning in Kansas

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The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has issued a warning about the spread of flesh-eating New World screwworm parasites from Mexico into areas near the Texas border. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also released an alert about the outbreak south of the U.S. While the parasites have not yet been detected in the U.S., health officials are advising the public and medical providers to be on the lookout for potential cases.

Why it matters

The New World screwworm is a dangerous pest that can infect both livestock and humans, potentially causing fatal infestations. With the recent detection of cases in Mexican states bordering Texas, there is heightened concern about the possibility of the parasites crossing into the United States, prompting warnings from national and state health agencies.

The details

New World screwworms are a type of fly whose larvae consume living tissue in and around open wounds. While they primarily target animals like cattle and horses, humans can also become infested. The current outbreak in Mexico has resulted in nearly 1,200 cases and 7 reported human deaths as of January 20th. Certain risk factors, such as open wounds, weakened immune systems, and proximity to livestock, can increase a person's vulnerability to screwworm infestations.

• On January 20, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a warning about the New World screwworm outbreak in Mexico.
• On January 23, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment released its own alert regarding the potential spread of the parasites into the U.S.

What’s next

Healthcare providers in Kansas are advised to immediately report any suspected human cases of New World screwworm infestation to the KDHE Epidemiology Hotline. Proper disposal of any larvae or eggs collected from patients is also crucial to prevent the potential spread of the parasites.