Travis County Judge Signs Disaster Declaration for New World Screwworm

Travis County Judge Andy Brown has signed a disaster declaration for New World screwworm, a parasitic fly that lays its eggs in open wounds and crevices such as the ears, mouth, nose, and eyes of warm-blooded animals, including humans. Texas has nine confirmed cases, and quarantine zones have been created in infested parts of several counties. The U.S. Department of Agriculture has confirmed eight more infected animals, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has given emergency use authorization for treatment and prevention medications. Health officials are asking people to be on the lookout for screwworm infections and report cases to local health departments. Preventative measures include keeping open wounds clean and covered, sleeping indoors with closed windows, using insect repellent, and wearing loose-fitting, long-sleeved clothing. Infected individuals should seek medical help for proper treatment.