Myiasis

Myiasis is an infestation of tissue or organs of humans and other animals by maggots, the larvae of flies. It is a neglected, but important, parasitic infection in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. Myiasis is associated with malnutrition, poverty, and overcrowding, as these situations create a favorable environment for the larvae to feed on living or dead animal/human tissue. There is a need to increase awareness of the risks, symptoms, and treatment of this parasitic condition, in order to reduce the incidence of myiasis. It is important to note that some species of flies can transmit diseases in addition to causing myiasis. Traditional methods of treating myiasis include using petroleum jelly, commercial insecticides, or manually removing the maggots.