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Living with Myiasis

An infection in which fly larvae (maggots) live in human tissue such as skin, nose, ears, or eyes.

Understanding Myiasis

Myiasis is an infection in which fly larvae (maggots) live in human tissue, most often in tropical climates.

The tissues most often affected are the skin, especially if there are open wounds, the nasal passages, the ears, and the eyes.

Signs & symptoms

GARD doesn't list specific symptoms for this condition yet.

Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.

Diagnosis

  1. Talk with your doctor

    Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.

  2. See a specialist

    Your doctor may refer you to a specialist who knows rare conditions.

  3. Ask which tests can help

    Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.

Care & treatment

Care team
A doctor familiar with rare conditions, plus specialists as needed
Expert care
Ask about multidisciplinary care centers for rare conditions
Treatment
GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
Research
Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.

General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.

Everyday life

Living with a rare condition is easier with support.

  • Connect with rare disease patient organizations for support
  • Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
  • Ask about patient registries that help research
  • Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Bring these questions to your next doctor visit
Which doctor should treat a myiasis infection?
How can larvae be safely removed?
How can we lower the chance of it happening again?

Quick facts

It is caused by fly larvae (maggots) infecting human tissue.

Infectious

Also known as: fly larva infestation; infestation by fly larvae; infestation by maggots; infestation caused by fly larvae; infestation caused by maggots; maggot infestation

Patient organizations

Rare-disease groups that can help

Source: NIH GARD · MyiasisGARD ID 18924 · GARD page updated September 2026 · Plain-language summary by Know Rare; editorial review pending. General information, not medical advice.

You are more than your diagnosis

Perspectives from people navigating life with Myiasis.

Explore the Myiasis blog

Explore research for Myiasis

Explore actively recruiting Myiasis studies with HealthSpark.

HealthSpark

Find actively recruiting studies for Myiasis with HealthSpark. Share your city to explore research near you.

  • Recruiting studies from ClinicalTrials.gov
  • Share your city to look for research near you
  • Eligibility is confirmed by the study team

Powered by HealthSpark, our AI chat helper

I can help you find recruiting Myiasis studies. Enter a ZIP code, address or city below and I'll look within 50 miles.

Powered by HealthSpark, our AI chat helper · Study information from ClinicalTrials.gov · Eligibility is confirmed by the study team.

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HealthStoryfor Myiasis

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HealthStory evolves private journaling with a living AI journal that talks back and asks thoughtful questions, helping you capture your Myiasis experiences more deeply and prepare for better conversations with your doctors and care team.

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