The Centre for Health Protection has confirmed a screwworm infestation involving a 49-year-old man, bringing this year's total number of cases to three.

The man, who lived in Tuen Mun and had no recent travel history, complained of pain in the groin and maggots were found there on April 4. He was admitted to Tuen Mun Hospital and is now in a stable condition.

The screwworm, this one known as Chrysomya bezziana, feeds on dead or living tissue, causing serious tissue damage. This can result in skin injury, secondary invasion and even death.

There were four such infestations reported last year and eight in 2004.

Avoiding infestation

To avoid this type of infestation, consider the following advice:

* Treat all wounds immediately, cleaning and dressing them.Their fluid and blood attract screwworms;

* Infestations can be avoided by installing window screens, dressing wounds and maintaining good ventilation;

* Observe good personal and environmental hygiene;