Overview
Myiasis is an infection caused by fly larvae (maggots) that grow inside or on the body of a living person. The word comes from the Greek word for fly. This condition happens when certain species of flies lay their eggs on or near human skin, wounds, or body openings. Once the eggs hatch, the larvae burrow into or feed on the body's tissues. Myiasis is not a genetic disease — it is an infectious condition caused by parasitic fly larvae. The condition can affect many parts of the body. The most common types include skin myiasis (larvae under the skin), wound myiasis (larvae in open wounds), eye myiasis (larvae in or around the eye), nasal or sinus myiasis, and intestinal myiasis (larvae swallowed accidentally). Symptoms depend on where the larvae are located but often include pain, swelling, itching, a crawling sensation, and visible movement under the skin or in wounds. Treatment usually involves physically removing the larvae, either by a doctor or through methods that suffocate the larvae and bring them to the surface. In some cases, antiparasitic medicines like ivermectin may be used. Most people recover fully once the larvae are removed. Myiasis is most common in tropical and subtropical regions and is rarely seen in developed countries except in travelers returning from affected areas.
Key symptoms:
A painful or itchy lump or boil under the skinA feeling of movement or crawling under the skinA small hole or opening at the top of a skin lump (breathing hole for the larva)Swelling and redness around the affected areaDischarge or fluid leaking from a wound or skin lesionVisible maggots in a wound or body openingEye redness, tearing, or pain if larvae are in or near the eyeNasal congestion, nosebleeds, or foul smell if larvae are in the nose or sinusesStomach pain, nausea, or seeing larvae in stool if swallowedFever in severe or widespread infectionsTissue destruction in neglected wounds
Variable
Can begin at different ages, from infancy through adulthood
Treatments
No FDA-approved treatments are currently listed for Myiasis.
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Specialists
View all specialists →No specialists are currently listed for Myiasis.
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 Myiasis.
Community
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Caregiver Resources
NORD Caregiver Resources
Support, advocacy, and financial assistance for caregivers of rare disease patients.
Mental Health Support
Rare disease caregiving can be isolating. Connect with counseling and peer support.
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.Are you sure all the larvae have been completely removed, and how can we confirm this?,Do I need any antiparasitic medication like ivermectin in addition to the removal procedure?,How do I care for the wound or skin area after the larvae are removed?,What signs of infection or complications should I watch for at home?,Is there any risk that larvae have spread to other parts of my body?,How can I prevent this from happening again if I travel to tropical areas?,Do I need any follow-up appointments to make sure I have fully healed?
Common questions about Myiasis
What is Myiasis?
Myiasis is an infection caused by fly larvae (maggots) that grow inside or on the body of a living person. The word comes from the Greek word for fly. This condition happens when certain species of flies lay their eggs on or near human skin, wounds, or body openings. Once the eggs hatch, the larvae burrow into or feed on the body's tissues. Myiasis is not a genetic disease — it is an infectious condition caused by parasitic fly larvae. The condition can affect many parts of the body. The most common types include skin myiasis (larvae under the skin), wound myiasis (larvae in open wounds), eye