Resurgence of New World Screwworm in the Americas

New World screwworm (NWS) (Cochliomyia hominivorax) flies produce larvae that feed on living tissue, causing disease primarily in animals and livestock, though humans can also be infested. NWS was eradicated in the U.S. in the 1960s, in Mexico in the 1970s, and in Central America in the early 2000s. However, Panama, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, and Honduras have recently documented new cases, causing concern about continued northward spread or cases identified in travelers returning to the U.S.  The CDC Clinician Outreach and Communication Activity (COCA) team will hold a webinar on Thursday, October 17 at 2:00 – 3:00 pm ET to education healthcare providers on identification and management of NWS cases in humans. Learn more and access the webinar. Free continuing education is available.