A confirmed case of New World screwworm (NWS) myiasis has been reported in Maryland, raising fresh concern about whether the parasite could re-establish itself in the United States. The fly, notorious for feeding on living tissue, has long provoked lurid headlines and widespread public alarm.
Experts, however, stress that while the parasite can cause serious infections, the threat to human health remains very low. Scientific evidence and the history of eradication programmes suggest the likelihood of a widespread outbreak is limited, especially with existing controls in place.
