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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) today (October 5) confirmed a case of Chrysomya bezziana infestation and urged people to guard against the disease.
Case details are as follow:
Age : 79
Sex : Female
Place of residence : Tuen Mun
Date of onset : September 29, 2005
Symptoms : Bleeding from oral cavity and chills. Maggots were found in the patient's oral cavity.
Present condition : Admitted to Tuen Mun Hospital on September 29 and passed away on October 2 from another cause.
Travel history : No recent travel history
Cumulative total received by CHP in 2005 : 3
*imported case : 0
*local case : 3
The number of cases received by DH in recent years : 9 in 2003; 8 in 2004
Chrysomya bezziana is an obligate parasite of mammals. The site of infestation with the larvae is usually at superficial wounds and body orifices of debilitated persons.
The larvae feed on the host's dead or living tissue. Feeding activity of the larvae may cause serious tissue damage, resulting in loss of condition, injury to the skin, secondary invasion and death.
People, especially staff of homes for the elderly, are advised to note the following measures:
* All wounds should be treated immediately. Wound fluids and blood are known to be attractive to Chrysomya bezziana. 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 home for the elderly 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, October 5, 2005
Issued at HKT 16:35
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