04/17/26 Public Health Education Topic: New World Screwworm
- Health Department
- 7 hours ago
- 2 min read
Per CDC
Key points
New World screwworm (NWS) is a fly that lays its eggs in open wounds and body openings such as the eyes, ears, nose, mouth, or genitals.
NWS eggs hatch into parasitic maggots that burrow into and feed on living tissue or flesh.
You are at higher risk for NWS if you live or travel to areas where NWS flies are found, spend a lot of time outside where flies are, and if you have an open wound.
Symptoms
Symptoms can include
Feeling maggots (larvae) move or seeing maggots within a skin wound or sore, or in the ears, nose, eyes, or mouth.
Painful skin wounds or sores that worsen within a few days.
A foul-smelling odor from the site of the infestation.
Bleeding from open sores.
Bacteria can also infect wounds where NWS maggots are present and may cause infection that can lead to symptoms like fever or chills.
Risk factors
You may be at an increased risk for NWS if you are in areas where the flies are present and
Spend a lot of time outdoors during the day, especially if sleeping or unable to keep flies away.
Have any open wounds. Even small breaks in the skin, including from a scratch, insect bite, or recent surgery may attract NWS flies.
Have a medical condition that can cause bleeding or open sores, such as from skin or sinus cancer, or from treatments that create breaks in the skin.
If you live, work, or spend an extended amount of time with (or near) livestock or other warm-blooded animals in areas where NWS flies are present, you could also be at a higher risk for NWS.
To learn more please visit: About New World Screwworm | New World Screwworm | CDC
