U.S. Responds to New World Screwworm Outbreak
Federal authorities are increasing measures to address the first cases of New World screwworm in the U.S. in a decade. On Thursday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) activated a formal emergency response to contain and study the outbreak, which aims to anticipate any risks to human health.
According to Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, this action facilitates the deployment of additional resources at the federal level. In parallel, the Food and Drug Administration authorized emergency use of nitenpyram, a generic over-the-counter tablet, to treat affected dogs and cats. This approval marks the first time a generic animal drug is used against the screwworm parasite.
So far, seven cases have been confirmed in cattle, a goat, and a dog within Texas and New Mexico. The New World screwworm is a fly whose larvae penetrate open wounds of warm-blooded animals, feeding on living tissue and causing severe harm if not quickly addressed. Although eradicated in the 1960s, the screwworm has reappeared before, most recently between 2016 and 2017 in Florida. The parasite remains prevalent across South America and the Caribbean. To date, no human infections have been reported in this outbreak.
Subsequent content of the newsletter delves into other health policy news. The Senate Armed Services Committee recently dismissed an amendment intended to broaden fertility service coverage for military personnel and their families, including in vitro fertilization. Planned Parenthood is challenging Alaska’s telehealth abortion ban, arguing that it infringes upon constitutional rights. Additionally, the CDC’s acting director defended the agency’s response to the Ebola outbreak, emphasizing the commitment of CDC personnel.
In state health care news, New Hampshire’s GO-NORTH rural health program received budget approval, while North Carolina faced disruptions in its Medicaid work requirements plans. Minnesota reinstated payments for certain disenrolled providers following appeals.
This summary also shares noteworthy flags from other outlets, including advice for managing medical bills and recent health-related news on public figures such as Serena Williams.