A case of human myiasis under investigation
28 June 2006
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) today (June 28) is investigating a case of human myiasis and urges members of the public to guard against the disease.Case details are as follow:
Age: 88
Sex: Female
District of residence: North District
Date of onset: June 25
Symptoms: maggots found in scalp wounds.
Present condition: Admitted to North District Hospital on June 25 and is in stable condition.
Travel history: No recent travel history.
Cumulative total received by CHP in 2006: 6
*imported case: 0
*local cases: 6
The number of cases received by DH in recent years: 9 in 2003, 8 in 2004 and 6 in 2005.
Human myiasis cases are caused by parasitic maggots of flies which infest the superficial wounds and body orifices (such as mouth, ear and nose) of debilitated persons with larvae.
The larvae feed on the host's dead or living tissue, and may cause serious tissue damage, resulting in loss of condition, injury to the skin, secondary invasion and death.
Members of the public, especially staff of elderly homes, are advised to note the following measures:
- All wounds should be treated immediately. Wound fluids and blood are known to be attractive to some species of flies. To avoid myiasis infestation, wounds should be cleaned and dressed properly;
- Fly infestation could be avoided by proofing measures, including installation of fly screening materials to human dwelling places, dressing of wounds and maintaining good ventilation;
- Observe good personal and environmental hygiene;
- Staff of elderly homes should ensure good environmental hygiene, be alert to inmates developing symptoms of the disease and arrange inmates feeling unwell to seek medical consultation promptly.
