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It began innocently: a small red bump on her arm that felt like a mosquito bite. But over a few days, what she dismissed as irritation became something far more sinister. Doctors identified the condition as cutaneous myiasis, a parasitic infection caused by fly larvae—especially from the human botfly.
Here’s how it happens: the adult botfly lays eggs on a mosquito, which then lands on a person. The heat from human skin triggers the eggs to hatch, releasing tiny larvae that burrow beneath the skin. At first the bite looks harmless, but as the larvae grow, swelling, pain, and a tiny breathing hole appear. Many victims report the chilling sensation of movement beneath their skin.
One viral case involved a Canadian tourist who assumed she had been bitten by a mosquito—but in reality, three live larvae were embedded under her skin. Videos of their removal sparked horror and fascination online.
Preventing this nightmare involves insect repellent, protective clothing, mosquito nets, and careful inspection of fabrics. If infestation is suspected, medical treatment is essential—DIY removal can lead to serious complications.
