Sub-District
1 February 2006
Mafikeng - Following our report yesterday (31 January 2005) on the outbreak
of skin worm sores in the Ratlou Sub-District, the Communicable Disease Control
Unit of the North West Department of Health has been consulting widely
regarding this outbreak. We can now confirm that the condition has been found
to be Cutaneous Myiasis. Information from all reliable sources that includes
the parasitology unit of the National Institute of Communicable Diseases (NICD)
is consistent with one another regarding confirmation of this condition as
Cutaneous Myiasis.
Cutaneous Myiasis is a skin condition that is caused by Cordylobia
Anthropophaga (Tumbu fly, Mango fly, Putsi fly). The fly is widely distributed
in Africa including the Northern third of South Africa. Dogs and rodents are
the usual hosts, and humans are accidental hosts.
Although it is usually not found in the North West Province, it is found in
other parts of South Africa such as Limpopo, Mpumalanga, and KwaZulu-Natal. It
is related to the weather pattern and is common in the low veld, in hot and
humid areas.
The female fly lays eggs on clothes or soil contaminated with urine or
faeces. The larvae that emerge from the eggs penetrate the skin painlessly. An
enlarging papule, resembling a boil, develops over about six days. Eventually
the larva is large enough for close examination to reveal small dark lines like
pus (its respiratory spiracles) in the centre.
The treatment consists of covering the lesion (sore) with vaseline or liquid
paraffin, which obstructs the respiratory spiracles and suffocates the larva.
Leave for 30 minutes to one hour, then encourage the larva to emerge by finger
pressure. Attempted removal by instruments may rupture the larva and cause
severe inflammation.
Though ironing of clothes will kill any eggs laid on them. Washing should
not be laid on the ground to dry.
âAs a Department we are positive that we are responding as necessary to deal
with this new health problem. The Sub-District outbreak response team has been
investigating the source of the problem since it was initially unknown to them.
Health promotion messages had already begun under the suspicion of the same
condition. Now that it has been confirmed the same messages will be
intensified,â said MEC Rasmeni.
Feedback has been given to the affected Sub-District, and other
Sub-Districts will be informed of this condition and the need for intensified
surveillance and health promotion.
Reporting of cases will be done on a daily basis until the outbreak is
controlled. It is important for all persons affected to report at the nearest
clinic so as to get professional assistance and advice.
Enquiries: Mr Tebogo Lekgethwane
Acting Director Media & Communication
Tel: (018) 387 5628
Cell: 072 528 3857
E-mail: tlekgethwane@nwpg.gov.za
Issued by: Department pf Health, North West Provincial Government
1 February 2006
Source: North West Provincial Government (http://www.nwhealth.gov.za/)
