Current Health Issues
New World Screwworm (NWS)
The New World screwworm (NWS) is a parasitic blowfly whose larvae feed on living tissue of warm-blooded animals, including livestock, pets, wildlife, and occasionally humans. Unlike other maggots that consume dead tissue, NWS larvae attack healthy tissue, leading to painful, foul-smelling wounds that can become fatal if left untreated.
- New World screwworm (NWS) is a fly that lays its eggs in open wounds and body openings such as the eyes, ears, nose, mouth, or genitals.
- NWS eggs hatch into parasitic maggots that burrow into and feed on living tissue or flesh.
- NWS can affect both humans and animals.
On June 3, 2026, USDA confirmed, in Texas, the first US animal case in the current outbreak of New World screwworm. No human infestations have been reported in the United States. There are no cases in animals or humans in Minnesota.
Learn more about New World Screwworm
Ebola
The current Ebola disease outbreak occurring in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda is caused by the Bundibugyo (Bun-dee-BOO-joh) virus, one of the 4 types of orthoebolaviruses that cause Ebola disease in people. It affects many of the body’s organ systems and often causes severe illness. To date, no Ebola cases associated with this outbreak have been reported in the United States. Risk to the general public remains low.
- Current Situation - Centers for Disease Control
- Fact sheets and resources - Minnesota Department of Health
- World Health Organization
Insect-borne Diseases
Insect-borne diseases are illnesses caused by pathogens transmitted through insects such as mosquitoes, ticks, fleas and other pests.
Measles
The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) has identified multiple cases of measles in 2025. The number of cases was up significantly last year in Ramsey and other Minnesota counties.
Avian Influenza
Avian influenza viruses are spread to people through direct contact with infected birds or their environments. Person-to-person spread is extremely rare. There is no food safety risk associated with this virus; the only risk is for workers at commercial farms or, potentially, owners of small urban flocks.
Hepatitis C
A deadly consequence of the opioid crisis is increased incidence of blood-borne infections, including hepatitis B, virus and hepatitis C, and HIV. Using contaminated needles is a primary transmission route for both HIV and hepatitis C. With injection drug use on the rise, new populations, including young people, are at risk.
Saint Paul - Ramsey County Public Health is working to stop the spread of infectious diseases among people who inject drugs (PWID). Our syringe services program provides access to prevention and treatment services for HIV and other blood-borne diseases, such as hepatitis C and hepatitis B.
Tuberculosis
Ramsey County has experienced a significant increase in multidrug-resistant tuberculosis in recent years. The majority of cases have impacted Hmong American residents, and Public Health works directly with community partners, hospitals and healthcare facilities to prevent future cases through appropriate screening and treatment.
Our clinic provides screening for persons that have been in contact with active TB disease, as well as treatment and case management of persons with either latent TB infection or active TB disease. This clinic is by referral only: You will be notified if it has been determined that you may have come in contact with someone with active TB and you should be seen in our clinic.