1 Jan 2009
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health confirmed　today (January 1) a local case of human myiasis involving a 79-year-old man and urged members of the public to take measures to guard against the disease caused by maggots of flies.
The patient, living in an elderly home in Yeun Long, was admitted to Tuen Mun Hospital for foul smelling and bleeding of gum on December 23. Maggots were found at the throat. He passed away on December 26 owing to deteriorating general condition.
CHP's investigations revealed that he was bed-bound before hospital admission and had multiple pre-existing medical problems including cerebrovascular accident and hypertension. He had no recent travel history.
This is the ninth case of human myiasis in 2008. Fourteen cases were reported in 2007, 15 cases in 2006 and six cases in 2005.
Human myiasis cases are caused by parasitic maggots of flies which infest with larvae the superficial wounds and body orifices, such as mouth, ear and nose, of debilitated persons.
The larvae feed on the host's dead or living tissue, and may cause serious tissue damage, resulting in loss of function, injury to the skin, secondary invasion and death.
People, especially staff of elderly homes, are advised to take note of 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 can 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 for inmates feeling unwell to seek medical consultation promptly.