The Hong Kong Centre for Health Protection (CHP) recorded a local case of human myiasis on November 5, 2014 affecting a 64-year-old woman with history of insulin dependent diabetes mellitus.
She sustained an injury over right big toe in early October but did not seek medical attention until November 5 when she attended Accident and Emergency Department of a public hospital because of persistent wound discharge. She was admitted on the same day and physical examination found ulcers over right big toe with maggots inside.
The worms were removed and identified to be maggots of Chrysomya bezziana. Amputation of right big toe was performed on November 7. The patient was in a stable condition and discharged home on November 17. Her family members were well and health advice was provided to them.
Myiasis is the infection of a fly larva (maggot) in human tissue. This occurs in tropical and subtropical areas. Chrysomya bezziana is the Old World screwworm.
Those with untreated and open wounds are more at risk.
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