First U.S. Flesh-Eating Parasite Case in 50 Years Hits Maryland

The first US human case of a flesh-eating parasite in over 50 years has been detected in Maryland after a resident returned from traveling.

On August 4, 2025, the CDC confirmed the first U.S. human case of New World screwworm, a flesh-eating parasite, in a Maryland resident who had recently traveled to El Salvador, as reported by Reuters, The Guardian, and CNN. The Maryland Department of Health stated the patient has recovered, and there is no evidence of transmission to others or animals. The risk to public health is considered very low, per HHS spokesperson Andrew Nixon.