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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health confirmed today (January 11) a human case of myiasis involving a 76-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 Eastern District, suffered from gum bleeding on January 8. He was admitted to Ruttonjee Hospital on the same day and maggots were found in his mouth. He is now in stable condition.
CHP's investigations revealed that he had no recent travel history.
This is the first case of human myiasis this year. Fourteen cases were reported in 2007, 15 cases 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 the superficial wounds and body orifices such as the mouth, ear and nose of debilitated persons with larvae.
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;
* 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/Friday, January 11, 2008
Issued at HKT 16:11
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