Insect Larvae in Humans How Botflies, Maggots, and Eggs Affect Us

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Insect larvae burrow into human skin, creating pimple-like bumps with breathing holes for survival.

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Human botflies frequently target people in Central and South America, where open structures increase exposure risks.

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Horse bot fly larvae can tunnel under human skin up to 11 inches per day.

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Mosquito bites transfer insect eggs to human hosts when infected insects feed on blood.

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Untreated wounds attract flies that lay eggs, leading larvae to migrate toward moist areas like nostrils and eyes.

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Consuming food contaminated with fly eggs triggers intestinal myiasis, causing severe stomach pain and vomiting.

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Medical professionals use sterile maggots to clean non-healing wounds by consuming dead tissue.

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Ancient civilizations documented maggot therapy benefits 5,000 years ago, with notable usage during Civil War battles.

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FDA approved green bottle fly maggots for medical treatments in 2004 to treat non-healing wounds.

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