Gauteng Health denies myiasis outbreak in Pretoria

TSHWANE - The Department of Health has moved quickly to say there is no evidence of an outbreak of maggot infestations in Tshwane.

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Five patients with suspected myiasis linked to maggots were treated at Odi District Hospital in Tshwane over the weekend.

The Department’s Public Health Directoric says only three were diagnosed.

The condition occurs when flies lay eggs on damp clothing, bedding or unsanitary surfaces.

Once hatched the maggots dig into the skins causing swelling that looks like boils.

Gauteng’s Health infection Prevention Control Manager, Dr William Malebati discussed this with eNCA.