Maryland resident contracts rare, flesh-eating parasite after El Salvador trip

A Maryland resident has been diagnosed with a rare, flesh-eating parasite known as the New World screwworm, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services have confirmed to ABC News.

The health officials has not disclosed the patient’s current condition but confirmed that the individual recently traveled to El Salvador.

SEE ALSO | SE DC residents plan crime walk to demand action after recent shootings

The parasite, which was largely eradicated in the United States about 50 years ago, primarily affects cattle ranchers in Central America and Mexico. It infects its host as a larva, with the adult fly laying eggs in open wounds and body openings such as the nose, ears, and mouth.

SEE ALSO | DC firefighters rescue woman in southwest apartment fire

Officials have assured that there is no significant threat of transmission to the general U.S. population.