U.S. confirms case of rare, ‘nasty’ flesh-eating parasite found in American

An American who traveled to El Salvador has been diagnosed with New World screwworm, marking the first known case of the disease in the U.S. in a long time. According to the Associated Press, the disease was contracted by a Maryland resident who has since recovered.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention confirmed the case on Aug.4 and publicly acknowledged it this week. No additional human cases have been reported in the U.S. with the CDC saying it typically does not spread from person to person. Humans are at risk of contracting the disease if they travel to areas with animal infestations and spend time among livestock, sleep outdoors and have an open wound.

The disease is caused by a parasite that enters the body through the eyes, nose, mouth or an open wound. Female flies lay