New World screwworm infestations in humans are rare, but they can be fatal if left untreated. A female fly lays eggs in open wounds or body openings.

US farmers and officials are worried about the arrival of screwworm in Texas after a calf was found with the flesh-eating parasite.

Flesh-eating screwworm parasite infection: The deadly flies were detected in Mexico late in 2024, after years of being contained at the southern end of Panama.