Forwarded by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health
| CDPH Health Advisory:
New World Screwworm Outbreak in Mexico and Central America
September 5, 2025
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The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) issued a health advisory yesterday regarding New World Screwworm (NWS). The advisory was addressed to healthcare providers, local health departments, laboratories, and travelers.
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NWS is a parasitic fly whose larvae feed on living tissue. It usually affects livestock but can also affect pets, wildlife, and humans. Cases are rising in southern Mexico and Central America. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently announced a case of NWS in a U.S. resident who had traveled to El Salvador.
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Providers should contact Public Health immediately if a patient is suspected to have New World Screwworm infestation. Public Health will provide guidance on specimen collection and testing, if indicated.
Los Angeles County DPH Acute Communicable Disease Control:
- Weekdays 8am-5pm: call 213-240-7941.
- After-hours: call 213-974-1234 and ask for the physician on call.
Long Beach Health and Human Services:
- Weekdays 8am-5pm: call 562-570-4302.
- After hours: call the duty officer at 562-500-5537.
Pasadena Public Health Department:
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Weekdays 8am-5pm: call 626-744-6089.
- After hours: call 626-744-6043.
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You can also copy and paste this link into your browser https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/OPA/Pages/CAHAN/New-World-Screwworm-Outbreak-in-Mexico-and-Central-America.aspx.
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To view this and other communications or to sign-up to receive LAHANs, please visit ph.lacounty.gov/lahan.
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