"Larvae Teeming in Damp Laundry...Burrowing Into Skin" Warning of Spread

Concerns Over the Spread of Cutaneous Myiasis Due to Climate Change and Increased Travel
"Clothes and Bedding Must Be Ironed With Heat"

There has been a warning that the so-called "cutaneous myiasis" infection, in which fly larvae that have laid eggs in damp laundry burrow into human skin, could spread worldwide. Experts emphasize that "simple hygiene habits can be the first line of defense against infectious diseases," and stress the importance of always applying heat to iron clothes and bedding.

Laundry stock photo and an Indian man suffering from cutaneous myiasis (red circle). Getty Images · American Journal of Medical Science and Innovation

Tony Goldberg, a professor at the School of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, recently raised the urgency of research in a contribution to the international journal 'Science,' stating, "Infection by the Lund fly, which inhabits the African tropical rainforest, is spreading rapidly."

Professor Goldberg experienced a sharp, needle-like pain and a strange sensation under his armpit shortly after visiting Uganda's Kibale National Park. Upon carefully examining the area, he discovered a Lund fly larva beneath his skin. Recalling the experience, he said, "It reminded me of a horror movie scene where life writhes inside a pregnant woman's belly."

'Damp Laundry' as a Vector for Infection

Lund fly larvae use their hook-shaped mouthparts to burrow into the host's flesh, causing pain, swelling, inflammation, and necrosis. In individuals with underlying health conditions or multiple infections, there is a risk of the condition worsening into sepsis.

The infection route is believed to be through damp laundry. Lund flies tend to lay eggs in moist and dark environments, making wet clothes left to dry an ideal breeding ground. The professor stressed, "To prevent fly larva infection, it is essential to iron clothes and bedding with heat." He also shared, "One acquaintance woke up with 50 larvae on their face after failing to iron their pillow."

Cutaneous Myiasis Causes Necrosis and Systemic Infection

'Cutaneous myiasis' is an infectious disease caused when fly larvae invade the living tissue of humans or animals. While cases are most common in tropical regions such as South America, Africa, and Southeast Asia, increasing travel and climate change have led to reports from around the world. The larvae are often deposited on mosquitoes or other insects, and when these insects land on human skin, the larvae penetrate through pores or wounds. Once hatched under the skin, the larvae feed on body tissue as they grow, potentially causing tissue necrosis or systemic infection in severe cases.

Cutaneous myiasis is usually cured completely if the larvae are surgically removed. After removal, antibiotic treatment is administered to prevent secondary bacterial infection. As an emergency measure, applying petroleum jelly to the affected area can block the larvae's breathing, prompting them to crawl out on their own.

Experts advise, "If you experience unexplained pain or holes in your skin while traveling, do not squeeze or scratch the area; instead, seek medical attention immediately." They particularly stress the importance of minimizing skin exposure and always ironing laundry when traveling abroad.

Concerns Over Spread Due to Climate Change and Increased Travel

Professor Goldberg warned, "With the global increase in travel and climate change, the habitats of parasitic flies like the Lund fly are expanding," adding that "this could become a health issue for both humans and animals." He stated, "Research on parasitic flies is not merely an academic curiosity but a practical preparation for the coming era of infectious diseases," and cautioned, "Damp laundry could be the starting point of infection."