CDC Alert Triggered by Maggot-Infested Bushmeat at O'Hare Airport

A customs dog at Chicago's O’Hare International Airport caused a major alert on Saturday after detecting a passenger’s bag from an Amsterdam flight. The contents of the bag included decomposing African bushmeat, infested with maggots, which had been in transit for 30 hours. The dog was so disturbed by the smell that it began tearing at the plastic wrap as soon as the luggage appeared.

Customs agents, who were visibly shocked, found multiple ziplocked bags of the infested meat. According to a witness who recorded the incident, the smell was overwhelming. The bags contained various parts of wild animals, including "cow skin" and a "wrapped cow’s head." Due to the potential health risks, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) were immediately contacted.

The minimally processed bushmeat poses significant health risks as it can carry dangerous diseases, including Ebola. Handling or consuming infected meat from wild animals, such as antelope or primates, can lead to outbreaks. Ebola symptoms, which can include severe health issues like bleeding, diarrhea, and vomiting, typically appear between two and 21 days after exposure. The fatality rate of previous Ebola outbreaks has ranged from 25% to 90%.

The incident, which was captured on video, has garnered over 14 million views online. It serves as a stark reminder of the dangers associated with illegally importing bushmeat into the United States. Offenders can face fines of up to $250,000 for such violations, highlighting the serious consequences of bypassing customs regulations.

As authorities continue to investigate, this case underscores the importance of stringent checks at international borders to prevent the spread of potentially deadly diseases. The heightened awareness and prompt response by customs officials at O'Hare may have averted a serious public health crisis.