A Florida man’s battle with persistent health issues turned into a nightmare when doctors in Jacksonville made a shocking discovery – live bugs infesting his nose and sinuses. The patient, a cancer survivor, had been experiencing nosebleeds and discomfort since October, leading to a disturbing medical revelation – nasal myiasis, a rare condition caused by fly larvae infestation.
The man, who remains unidentified, sought medical attention at HCA Florida Memorial Hospital on February 9 due to swelling in his face and lips, along with continuous nosebleeds. His symptoms had worsened over time, prompting concern. “I started getting nosebleeds, constant nosebleeds,” the man told First Coast News. “I couldn’t even get up to go to the bathroom without my nose starting to bleed.”
During the examination, Dr. David Carlson made a horrifying discovery. Using a camera, he found dozens of live bugs inside the man’s nose and sinus cavity, feeding on tissue and excreting waste, which caused inflammation.
Dr. Carlson explained that the sizes varied, with some larvae as large as the end of his pinky. He noted that some larvae were actively moving around the nose, seeking places to feed, while others had burrowed into the tissue.
Efforts to remove the bugs with suction were complicated when the instruments became clogged, forcing the team to use different tools to extract them. The situation was dire, as some larvae were dangerously close to the skull base, which, if breached, could have been fatal.
An epidemiologist was contacted to identify the bugs. The man believed the infestation occurred after handling dead fish, prompting him to change his hygiene habits. He also mentioned that previously, he used to rinse his hands in the river, but now he’ll use a cleaner to ensure better hygiene and avoid touching his nose or face.
Nasal myiasis is a rare condition, with few documented cases in the United States. A 2021 case study highlighted that risk factors include open wounds, lesions, scabs, an immunocompromised state, diabetes, nutritional deficiencies, and poor hygiene. The Florida patient’s history of nasal cancer, which left open spaces in his nasal cavity and weakened his immune system, made him susceptible to this infestation.
The man received a special antiparasitic rinse for his nose and is expected to make a full recovery. Dr. Carlson emphasised the importance of hand hygiene and avoiding dirty environments, especially for those with compromised immune systems. “If you’re going to be around a dirty environment, those hands need to be washed,” he advised.
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