New World Screwworm - Information for Healthcare Providers

Summary: This session will review the clinical features, specimen handling, epidemiologic clues, and reporting steps for New World screwworm myiasis so clinicians can recognize when to consider this rare but serious parasitic infestation, emphasizing that common wound etiologies remain far more likely and that screwworm should be a low-probability diagnosis except when compatible wounds, visible larvae, and recent travel/exposure to endemic areas are present.

Objectives: At the end of this presentation, participants will be able to...

  • Recognize key signs of New World screwworm myiasis and when to suspect it. 
  • Manage initial bedside care: remove larvae, care for the wound, and preserve specimens. 
  • Report suspected cases and communicate relevant travel or animal-exposure history to appropriate officials.

Intended Audience: Healthcare professionals, community health workers, and anyone interested in learning more about the topic

Continuing Education for Multiple Disciplines:

The University of Cincinnati, Department of Environmental and Public Health Sciences, Education and Research Center offers contact hours for this activity. Upon completing the evaluation, learners will receive a certificate of completion.

This course can meet continuing education requirements for a variety of professionals including:

Please contact your accrediting agency regarding questions about receiving credits for this activity.

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