Monsters Inside Me
Screwworm Infection
Caused by the screwworm, aka Cochliomyia hominivorax larva.
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The Parasite: The screwworm parasite is the larval stage of the "man-eater" fly Cochlyomyia hominivorax. This parasite, which is generally found in the tropics, feeds on the tissues and fluids of living animals, including humans. Its life cycle begins when female flies mate (they mate only once throughout life) and then lay 250-500 eggs in the exposed flesh of warm-blooded animals. These areas can include open wounds or even the navels of newly-born animals.
The larvae hatch within 12 hours and then burrow — or "screw" themselves — deep into the flesh, feeding on the animal's tissue. Approximately five to seven days after hatching, the larvae detach from the host to pupate on the ground. They reach adulthood about seven days after leaving the host and then mate four to five days after hatching. The life cycle then begins again, and a female fly can lay up to 3,000 eggs during her lifetime.
The Infection: The screwworm larvae have curved teeth and a voracious appetite. They tear at the flesh of the host, enlarging the wound and causing potentially fatal infections.
Treatment: Screwworms do not currently exist in the United States. If an animal or human appears to have contracted a screwworm infection, health professionals should be notified immediately.
Prevention: Veterinarians must carefully examine animals imported from countries where the screwworm fly exists before they are allowed entry into the United States. Wounds should also be carefully checked for screwworm eggs or larvae (eggs are creamy and white and deposited in a shingle-like manner near the edges of wounds). If traveling to a country that has screwworm flies, wounds should be protected to prevent a screwworm infestation.
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Featured in Sex Maniacs!, Episode 3 of MONSTERS INSIDE ME
Violent and manipulative, these naughty parasites have taken sex to the extreme. Highlighting the bedbug, botfly, screwworm and lung fluke.
 Check out the screwworm in action.
Visit the Monsters Inside Me video gallery.
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  Livin' La Vida Parasita! Find out how parasites affect our mind, our health and our lives in this series of articles from HowStuffWorks.com.
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 Rate Disgusting Parasite Habits: From blood-sucking to brain-eating, rate revolting parasite habits on a scale from "gross" (0) to "I think I'm going to vomit" (10).
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