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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health confirmed today (December 13) a local case of human myiasis involving an 89-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 Eastern District, suffered from shortness of breath and gum bleeding on December 11. He was admitted to Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital on the same day and maggots were found in his mouth. The man died of pneumonia on December 12.
CHP's investigations revealed that he had no recent travel history.
This is the 11th 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 the superficial wounds and body orifices, such as 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:
ĄŻĄ@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;
ĄŻĄ@Fly infestation can be avoided by proofing measures, including installation of fly screening materials to human dwelling places, dressing of wounds and maintaining good ventilation;
ĄŻĄ@Observe good personal and environmental hygiene;
ĄŻĄ@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/Thursday, December 13, 2007
Issued at HKT 18:06
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