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THERAPY

    Myiasis of the nose and throat, eye, ear, or internal organs may require surgical intervention, or at least use of anesthetics for manual removal of the larvae with a forceps.

    In dermal myiasis, early diagnosis and removal of the larva will relieve the irritation and discomfort caused by its movements and feeding under the skin. Direct removal involves application of a local anesthetic, followed by grasping the larva with a forceps and pulling with constant pressure to dislodge its hold, which may be strong because of the retrorse teeth or spines on its body. Indirect methods of removal involve application of an occlusive dressing containing petrolatum or even a piece of meat or animal fat if medical supplies are not readily available. Within a few hours, the suffocating larva will back out of the opening into the dressing or embed itself in the animal tissue. Secondary infections are rare, and little further treatment beyond local disinfection is needed. Wound myiasis, which may even occur in modern medical facilities, can be prevented by frequent changes of dressings and isolation of patients, especially immobile ones, within screened rooms.

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