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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health confirmed today (November 14) a local case of human myiasis involving a 77-year-old woman and urged members of the public to take measures to guard against the disease.
The patient, living in Shatin, suffered from shortness of breath and gum bleeding on November 11. She was admitted to Prince of Wales Hospital on the same day and maggots were found in her mouth. She died on November 14 and her cause of death has yet to be established.
CHP's investigations revealed that she had no recent travel history.
This is the eighth case of human myiasis this year. Fifteen cases were reported in 2006, six cases in 2005, eight in 2004 and nine in 2003.
Human myiasis cases are caused by parasitic maggots of flies which infest with larvae superficial wounds and body orifices such as the 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 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; and
* 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.
Ends/Wednesday, November 14, 2007
Issued at HKT 18:03
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