7 Mar 2009
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health confirmed today (March 7) a human case of myiasis involving a 86-year-old woman 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 Cheung Chau, was found to have maggots in the wound of her right foot on March 5 and was admitted to St John Hospital for treatment. She in now in stable condition.
CHP's investigations revealed that she had no recent travel history.
This is the first case of human myiasis in 2009. Nine cases were reported in 2008, 14 cases in 2007 and 15 cases in 2006.
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.