New World Screwworm

New World screwworms are a type of blue-grey blowfly, typically found in South America and the Caribbean. Read more about New World Screwworm, Distribution, Features, Symptoms, Latest News

New World Screwworm

New World Screwworm Latest News

Recently, the Department of Health and Human Services reported the first human case of the flesh-eating parasite, the New World screwworm, in the United States. 

About New World Screwworm

  • Screwworms are a type of blue-grey blowfly, typically found in South America and the Caribbean.
  • The parasites are named after the screwlike way they burrow into the tissue.
  • Screwworms — specifically females — are attracted to and lay eggs on and in open wounds or another entry point like a nasal cavity in warm-blooded animals and, rarely, humans.
  • One female can lay up to 300 eggs at a time and may lay up to 3,000 eggs during her 10- to 30-day lifespan.
  • These eggs hatch into larvae (known as maggots), which burrow into the wound using their sharp mouth hooks to feed on the living flesh, leading to infestation.
  • After feeding, the larvae fall into the ground, burrow into the soil and emerge as adult screwworm flies.

What are the Symptoms of Infestation?

  • Its infestations can be extremely painful, especially in humans, with a high mortality rate if left untreated.
  • Symptoms of infestation include: wounds or sores that do not heal; bleeding from open sores; feeling larvae movement within a skin wound or sore; and a foul-smelling odour from the site of the infestation.

Source: IE

Latest UPSC Exam 2025 Updates

Last updated on November, 2025

→ Check out the latest UPSC Syllabus 2026 here.

→ Join Vajiram & Ravi’s Interview Guidance Programme for expert help to crack your final UPSC stage.

UPSC Mains Result 2025 is now out.

UPSC Notification 2026 is scheduled to be released on January 14, 2026.

UPSC Calendar 2026 is released on 15th May, 2025.

→ The UPSC Vacancy 2025 were released 1129, out of which 979 were for UPSC CSE and remaining 150 are for UPSC IFoS.

UPSC Prelims 2026 will be conducted on 24th May, 2026 & UPSC Mains 2026 will be conducted on 21st August 2026.

→ The UPSC Selection Process is of 3 stages-Prelims, Mains and Interview.

UPSC Result 2024 is released with latest UPSC Marksheet 2024. Check Now!

UPSC Prelims Result 2025 is out now for the CSE held on 25 May 2025.

UPSC Toppers List 2024 is released now. Shakti Dubey is UPSC AIR 1 2024 Topper.

UPSC Prelims Question Paper 2025 and Unofficial Prelims Answer Key 2025  are available now.

UPSC Mains Question Paper 2025 is out for Essay, GS 1, 2, 3 & GS 4.

UPSC Mains Indian Language Question Paper 2025 is now out.

UPSC Mains Optional Question Paper 2025 is now out.

→ Also check Best IAS Coaching in Delhi

New World Screwworm FAQs

Q1. What is the New World screwworm disease?+

Q2. Does screwworm infect humans?+

Tags: new world screwworm prelims pointers upsc current affairs upsc prelims current affairs

Vajiram Prelims Team
Vajiram Prelims Team
At Vajiram & Ravi, our team includes subject experts who have appeared for the UPSC Mains and the Interview stage. With their deep understanding of the exam, they create content that is clear, to the point, reliable, and helpful for aspirants.Their aim is to make even difficult topics easy to understand and directly useful for your UPSC preparation—whether it’s for Current Affairs, General Studies, or Optional subjects. Every note, article, or test is designed to save your time and boost your performance.
UPSC GS Course 2026
UPSC GS Course 2026
₹1,75,000
Enroll Now
GS Foundation Course 2 Yrs
GS Foundation Course 2 Yrs
₹2,45,000
Enroll Now
UPSC Mentorship Program
UPSC Mentorship Program
₹65000
Enroll Now
UPSC Sureshot Mains Test Series
UPSC Sureshot Mains Test Series
₹25000
Enroll Now
Prelims Powerup Test Series
Prelims Powerup Test Series
₹13000
Enroll Now
Enquire Now