The Centre for Health Protection has confirmed a human myiasis case involving 68-year-old woman, bringing the year's total to 15.

The patient was admitted to Ruttonjee Hospital after an accidental fall on December 11. Maggots were later found in a wound in her right breast. She is now in a stable condition. She had no recent travel history.

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,