Theaverage person in Nigeria has “committed” the “offence” of hanging washed clothes outside with the inside surface exposed to dry under the sun. But doing this seemingly innocuous practice, which many people indulge in, has put them at the risk of getting infested with Tumbu fly larva.
Tumbu fly, which is scientifically known as Cordylobia anthropophaga, also called as the mango fly, putzi fly, or skin maggot fly, is an African blowfly whose larvae are parasitic.
It is endemic to tropical or sub-Saharan and other areas of Central Africa.
The tumbu fly larva is the culprit that causes a skin inflammation known as furuncular myiasis. This is a medical condition where the larva of the fly burrows into and lives under the skin of the human host and other mammals. Tumbu fly can also cause furuncular myiasis of the foot. Over the next three days, pus emerges from each sore as it gets ripe. Once the sore is expressed a worm comes out of it.
How tumbu fly “attacks” the skin
The adult female tumbu flies lay their eggs on sandy soil contaminated with animal feces or urine, or on damp clothing/bedding left outdoors. They are especially drawn to items that smell of sweat or urine. First, the fly lays eggs on clothes hung inside-out, to dry. When the owner wears the particular item of clothing, the heat from the person enables the eggs to hatch. The microscopic larvae or maggots which come out then burrow directly, painlessly, into the skin at the point of contact.
As soon as it goes into the skin, it begins to feed on body fluids and within eight to 12 days it grows fast.
People will usually complain that their body is itching and within three days, painful, boil-like lesions occur.
Being a foreign body, it triggers a reaction in the skin such that the area around the site of infestation becomes painful and somewhat enlarges like a boil or pimple. The infestation will cause itching as a result of the lesion that occurs at the spot. The telltale signs include: a raised red lump or boil, often with a small central opening; sensations of itching, movement, or sharp, intermittent pain and tiny black dot, which is the breathing tube of the larva, which is occasionally visible at the centre of the boil. As the pain intensifies and the area feels tender, the discomfort increases and there is a strong urge to get relief.
In a situation where the mature maggot is left alone, it will eventually drop out of the skin to pupate on the ground, but early removal is highly recommended to stop the pain and prevent secondary bacterial infections. The larva can be removed through a number of ways. These include the following:
Suffocation:The breathing hole at the point of infestation can be covered with a thick layer of Vaseline (petroleum jelly, mineral oil, or liquid paraffin. This denies the maggot oxygen supply, and forces it to migrate to the surface from where it can be pulled out with tweezers.
Medical care:It is important to be careful in dealing with a grown maggot. If the maggot breaks during an attempt to squeeze it out, it can cause a severe allergic reaction or dangerous infection. Always seek medical attention if you suspect an infestation.
Tumbu fly infestation can be prevented in a number of basic steps, which include the following ways.
Iron everything:Always iron your clothing, especially underwear, diapers, and towels, using a hot iron. The extreme heat instantly kills any eggs or larvae.
Do not lay clothes on the ground:Never spread washed laundry or towels on sand or grass to dry.
Do not hang clothes to dry, inside-out.
Tumble dry:Use a high-heat tumble dryer for clothes and bedding whenever possible.
Disinfect your balconies and immediate surroundings regularly to prevent tumbu flies swarming around your house.
