New World Screwworm Resource for Healthcare Workers

[Centers for Disease Control and Prevention]

Learn how to recognize and respond to New World Screwworm

New World Screwworm (NWS) is a re-emerging threat to the United States and can cause serious harm to infested animals and people. To support healthcare workers in recognizing and responding to possible human cases, CDC's Project Firstline developed an infographic designed for quick team discussions and just-in-time training in healthcare settings. This infographic explains what NWS is, how infestations occur, symptoms, diagnosis, and which patients may face higher risk based on travel history and outdoor activities. It also outlines the infection control actions healthcare workers must take to safely care for patients with suspected NWS and prevent the establishment of screwworm flies in the local community.  View the NWS Infographic  CDC also released a Health Alert Network (HAN) Health Advisory focused on NWS outbreaks in animals to support situational awareness.  Key takeaways from the HAN:  NWS continues to move northward, with infestations reported in Central America and Mexico, including animal cases in Mexican states along the U.S. border.  CDC has not detected NWS in the United States, and risk to people in the U.S. remains low.  Healthcare workers should stay alert for possible cases in patients with relevant travel history and symptoms.  Prompt reporting of suspected cases supports early response and public health action.  Read the HAN and access additional information.  Thank you for your continued work to protect patients, staff, and communities.

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