The Centre for Health Protection has confirmed a myiasis case involving an 88-year-old North District woman, bringing the year's total to six.

Maggots were discovered in wounds on her scalp on June 25, and she was admitted to North District Hospital on June 25 in a stable condition.

There were six myiasis cases 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 Chrysomya species that produce maggots;

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

* Observe good personal and environmental hygiene.