The Centre for Health Protection urges people to guard against myiasis - maggot infestation - after a case was discovered in a 66-year-old North District man.

Maggots were discovered in wounds on his scalp on June 6, and he was admitted to North District Hospital on June 8.

His is the fourth mysiasis case the centre has reported this year. There were six in total in 2005, 8 in 2004 and 9 in 2003.

Elderly home staff are urged to be particularly vigilant. The centre offers the following advice:

*Treat all wounds immediately, cleaning and dressing them properly, as fluids and blood are known to attract some species of Chrysomya that produce maggots;

* Use fly-proofing measures, including using screens in residential units; and

* Observe good personal and environmental hygiene.