
Ironing of clothes will kill eggs or larvae. Prevention: washing should not be laid on the ground to dry. Domestic dogs and rodents are commonly affected, sometimes with large numbers of lesions. Incision or use of forceps or other instruments is unnecessary and should be avoided, as inflammation or secondary infection is more likely if the larva and/or skin is damaged. The condition is readily treated by applying petroleum jelly (Vaseline) or liquid paraffin to the lesions, to suffocate the maggots and lubricate the cavity in the skin usually, they then emerge or are easily expressed with finger pressure. The lesions may be complicated by secondary bacterial infection. The larvae (maggots) hatch and on contact with skin, penetrate and cause enlarging boil-like skin lesions, each with a small opening at the apex through which the larva breathes (furuncular myiasis)(Figure). The adult female tumbu fly ( Cordylobia anthropophaga) deposits eggs usually on urine- or faeces-contaminated sand, soil or clothing. The increase in the number of cases is most likely related to the recent marked increase in seasonal rainfall, leading to the expansion of the fly’s normal range, namely the warmer northern and eastern parts of the country. Our laboratory has confirmed that the maggots are those of the tumbu fly (also known as the ‘mango’ or ‘putsi’ fly). NICD has been consulted about numerous cutaneous maggot infestations (furuncular myiasis) in humans in North West Province, as well as increased sporadic cases in Gauteng Province. Division of Public Health, Surveillance and Response.

Centre for Respiratory Diseases and Meningitis.Centre for Healthcare-Associated Infections, Antimicrobial Resistance and Mycoses.Centre for Emerging Zoonotic and Parasitic Diseases.COVID-19 Vaccine Breakthrough Cases Frequently Asked Questions.
