According to First Coast News, a Florida man is recovering from a traumatic ordeal with over 150 live bugs in his nose and sinuses. The unidentified patient, who began feeling ill in October but developed serious symptoms early this month, sought medical assistance after his entire face swelled and he had frequent nosebleeds.
Doctors at HCA Florida Memorial Hospital were astounded by their findings. Dr. David Carlson, an ENT expert, observed a swarm of larvae, some as big as his pinky finger, feeding inside the man’s nasal cavity. The condition was grave, with probable erosion near the skull base and proximity to important organs, according to the news website.
Dr. Carlson attempted suction at first but eventually had to carefully remove each insect individually. “They were right up against his skull base, near the brain. If they had gone through, it could have been fatal,” he emphasized. The unidentified bugs are currently being examined to ascertain their species. Fortunately, the individual is expected to recover fully.
The actual nature of the infestation is unknown, although the patient believes that improper handling of deceased fish may be to blame. He has promised to improve his handwashing routines to avoid similar accidents in the future. “I know that I have to change my lifestyle as far as I handle fish,” he told First Coast News. “Before, I would rinse my hands in the river, now I’ll use cleaner to do a better job and not touch my nose or my hand.” Dr. Carlson stated that in his extensive career as an ear, nose, and throat specialist, he had never seen a case like this reported in the United States.
Nasal myiasis is a rare illness characterized by an infestation of fly larvae.