A woman sought urgent medical help due to a foul odor and intense itching "down there," initially dismissed as a severe infection. The doctor nearly fainted upon examination, discovering vaginal myiasis—a rare infestation of live maggots from fly larvae burrowing in her genital tissue.
Horrifying Cause
Flies had laid eggs near open sores or neglected hygiene wounds in her vulva, hatching into larvae that fed on necrotic tissue, causing swelling, discharge, and excruciating pain. Common in tropical areas among those with poor sanitation, diabetes, or immobility, the maggots created tunnels, amplifying the stench and risking sepsis. The doctor paled at the wriggling mass—over 50 larvae in one case—something unseen in his 20-year career.
Treatment and Recovery
Under sedation, medics irrigated the area with saline, manually removed the maggots, and applied ivermectin cream to kill remnants, followed by antibiotics and wound care. She recovered after two weeks, with debridement preventing spread, though scarring remained.
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