The Centre for Health Protection has confirmed a myiasis case involving a 45-year-old man, bringing the year's total to 14.

He was an in-patient of Princess Margaret Hospital and maggots were found inside a wound in his scrotum on November 27. He is in stable condition.

Human myiasis is caused by parasitic maggots of flies which infest superficial wounds and body orifices, such as the mouth, ears and nose, of debilitated people.

Elderly home staff are urged to be particularly vigilant. People should:

* treat wounds immediately, cleaning and dressing them properly, as fluids and blood are known to attract some fly species that produce maggots;

* use window screens to keep out flies; and,

* observe good personal and environmental hygiene.