Overview
Furuncular myiasis caused by Cordylobia anthropophaga — also known as 'Tumbu fly disease' or 'mango fly infestation' — is a parasitic skin condition caused by the larvae (maggots) of the Tumbu fly. This fly is found mainly in sub-Saharan Africa. The condition occurs when fly larvae burrow into a person's skin and grow there, causing painful, boil-like lumps called furuncles. Each lump contains a single developing larva feeding on the tissue just beneath the skin surface. The main symptoms are itchy, red, swollen bumps that look like boils or pimples. People often feel movement or a crawling sensation under the skin, which can be very distressing. The bumps grow over one to two weeks as the larva develops. Without treatment, the larva eventually exits the skin on its own, but this is painful and carries a risk of infection. The good news is that this condition is very treatable. A doctor can safely remove the larva by blocking the small breathing hole at the top of the bump with petroleum jelly or oil, which forces the larva to come to the surface, where it can be gently pulled out. Full recovery is expected with proper treatment, and there are no long-term health effects in most cases.
Also known as:
Key symptoms:
Painful, boil-like lumps on the skinItching or burning sensation at the site of the lumpFeeling of movement or crawling under the skinSmall hole or opening visible at the top of the lumpRedness and swelling around the bumpDischarge of fluid or pus from the lumpMultiple bumps appearing at the same timeBumps that grow larger over days to weeksTenderness when pressing on the lumpFever in rare cases if a secondary bacterial infection develops
Sporadic
Usually appears on its own, not inherited from a parent
Variable
Can begin at different ages, from infancy through adulthood
Treatments
No FDA-approved treatments are currently listed for Furuncular myiasis due to Cordylobia anthropophaga.
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Specialists
View all specialists →No specialists are currently listed for Furuncular myiasis due to Cordylobia anthropophaga.
Treatment Centers
8 centersBaylor College of Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🏥 NORDStanford Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Stanford Medicine
📍 Stanford, CA
🔬 UDNNIH Clinical Center Undiagnosed Diseases Program ↗
National Institutes of Health
📍 Bethesda, MD
🔬 UDNUCLA UDN Clinical Site ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
🔬 UDNBaylor College of Medicine UDN Clinical Site ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🔬 UDNHarvard/MGH UDN Clinical Site ↗
Massachusetts General Hospital
📍 Boston, MA
🏥 NORDMayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine ↗
Mayo Clinic
📍 Rochester, MN
👤 Mayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine
🏥 NORDUCLA Rare Disease Day Program ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
Travel Grants
No travel grants are currently matched to Furuncular myiasis due to Cordylobia anthropophaga.
Community
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Caregiver Resources
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Family & Caregiver Grants
Financial assistance programs specifically for caregivers of rare disease patients.
Social Security Disability
Learn how rare disease patients may qualify for SSDI/SSI benefits.
Questions for your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment
- Q1.How do you confirm that this lump is caused by a Tumbu fly larva and not something else?,What is the safest way to remove the larva, and can it be done in your office today?,How do I care for the wound after the larva is removed?,What signs of infection should I watch for after treatment?,Do I need any antibiotics or other medications after removal?,How can I prevent this from happening again if I return to the same region?,Is there any risk that other family members who traveled with me could also be affected?
Common questions about Furuncular myiasis due to Cordylobia anthropophaga
What is Furuncular myiasis due to Cordylobia anthropophaga?
Furuncular myiasis caused by Cordylobia anthropophaga — also known as 'Tumbu fly disease' or 'mango fly infestation' — is a parasitic skin condition caused by the larvae (maggots) of the Tumbu fly. This fly is found mainly in sub-Saharan Africa. The condition occurs when fly larvae burrow into a person's skin and grow there, causing painful, boil-like lumps called furuncles. Each lump contains a single developing larva feeding on the tissue just beneath the skin surface. The main symptoms are itchy, red, swollen bumps that look like boils or pimples. People often feel movement or a crawling s
How is Furuncular myiasis due to Cordylobia anthropophaga inherited?
Furuncular myiasis due to Cordylobia anthropophaga follows a sporadic inheritance pattern. Genetic counseling can help families understand recurrence risk and testing options.