Hong Kong in maggot disease clampdown

http://ca.news.yahoo.com/s/afp/061206/health/hongkong_health_politics_1



Hong Kong in maggot disease clampdown
Wed Dec 6, 12:33 PM



AFP Photo: Health secretary York Chow, seen here in March 2006, said Hong Kong health chiefs are...

HONG KONG (AFP) - Hong Kong health chiefs are to step up checks at old people's homes after a spate of maggot infestations, an official said.

The move comes amid a sudden increase in incidents of human myiasis, an affliction caused when flies lay their eggs in wounds or folds of the skin.

The disease usually afflicts old or infirm people who are unable to keep themselves clean.

Health secretary York Chow said that checks in the homes would be stepped up following the discovery last month of the 14th victim this year.

"(We) will enhance training of elderly home staff on oral hygiene and wound management," Chow told legislators.

"Apart from regular health education, when a case of myiasis occurs in an elderly home, the Centre for Health Protection will alert visiting health teams, which will take the necessary follow-up actions," Chow added.

In the most recent case, a 97-year-old woman was found to have human myiasis after maggots had begun infesting a wound in her gums.