The Centre for Health Protection has confirmed a myiasis case involving a 97-year-old Kwai Chung woman, bringing the year’s total to 10, all local cases.
Her gums were swollen and bleeding on November 3, with a maggot infestation. She was admitted to Princess Margaret Hospital November 5 and is stable. She had no recent travel history.
Human myiasis is caused by parasitic maggots of flies which infest superficial wounds and body orifices, such as the mouth, ears and nose, of debilitated people. The larvae feed on the host’s dead or living tissue, and can cause serious damage and even death.
Elderly home staff are urged to be particularly vigilant. People should:
* treat wounds immediately, cleaning and dressing them properly, as fluids and blood are known to attract some fly species that produce maggots;
* use window screens to keep out flies; and,
* observe good personal and environmental hygiene.