The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has confirmed the first human case of the New World screwworm parasite in the United States in decades. The case was identified in Maryland in an individual who recently traveled from Guatemala and El Salvador, countries currently experiencing outbreaks of this flesh-eating parasite. The New World screwworm, a parasitic fly larva that feeds on living tissue, primarily affects warm-blooded animals such as cattle but can infect humans in rare instances. The parasite has raised concerns due to its potential impact on public health and the livestock industry, particularly the cattle market, as outbreaks have been spreading north from Central America. The infected patient has reportedly recovered, and there is no evidence of further transmission to other people or animals in the U.S. The last detection of the parasite in U.S. animals was in the Florida Keys in 2017. Meanwhile, Mexico has reported a 53% increase in flesh-eating screwworm cases in animals since July 2025, with over 5,000 cases recorded by mid-August, highlighting the ongoing regional spread of the parasite. Health officials emphasize awareness and monitoring to minimize risks associated with this rare but potentially serious parasitic infection.