Pictures courtesy of Facebook/ นี่ตัวอะไร

 

A doctor has eased public concern after an insect larva was removed from the skin of a foreign patient in Bangkok, confirming there is no threat to local residents. The patient, who had recently returned from Brazil, sought treatment at a hospital in the capital, where a doctor extracted the creature on November 19. Images shared online prompted speculation and fears that the insect could spread in Thailand.

 

The case became widely discussed after a hospital worker posted close-up photos of the larva on the Facebook group นี่ตัวอะไร (“What is this animal?”). The worker stated that the larva had been found beneath the patient’s skin and asked the public what species it might be. The images showed a soft, elongated, segmented larva with semi-translucent skin, leading many users to suggest it resembled a botfly.

 

Concerns grew as commenters questioned whether the insect could establish itself in Thailand. Some worried about possible risks to public health, particularly as botflies are not native to the country. Others speculated whether the case could indicate new environmental or biological threats.

 

Jessada Denduangboripat, a science communicator and lecturer in the Department of Biology at Chulalongkorn University, clarified that there is no evidence of this species spreading in Thailand. He explained that the patient had experienced myiasis, a condition caused by fly larvae that commonly affects travellers returning from areas such as South America or parts of Africa. Jessada emphasised that no records exist showing the species can reproduce or survive long-term in Thailand’s ecosystem.

 

Botflies typically lay eggs on skin or on other insects, which may transfer them to human or animal hosts. The larvae burrow beneath the skin, creating painful lesions that resemble boils, each containing a single larva that breathes through a small surface opening. Treatment generally involves removing the larva surgically or by blocking its air hole until it emerges.

 

Other academics supported the view that Thailand’s environment cannot sustain this species. They noted that conditions required for the insect’s life cycle differ significantly from those found in the country. As a result, experts agreed the case represents an isolated incident linked solely to international travel.

 

Following this report, a Thai man shared his own experience with myiasis after returning from Tanzania two years earlier. He said he had been infested by a tumbu fly, or mango fly, which lays eggs on the ground or on clothing that can then enter a human host. A doctor removed his larva by cutting open the wound after he noticed movement within it.

 

The Thaiger reported that medical professionals advise travellers returning from regions where myiasis is common to seek immediate care if they notice unusual skin lesions or movement beneath the skin. Experts also encourage continued public awareness to ensure cases are recognised early and treated promptly. No further risks to the local population have been identified.

 

 

Key Takeaways

 

• Experts confirm the larva removed from a foreign patient in Bangkok poses no threat to Thailand’s population.

• The case was identified as myiasis linked to recent travel from Brazil, with no evidence the species can spread locally.

• Doctors urge returning travellers to seek prompt medical attention for unexplained skin lesions.

 

Related Story

 

Bizarre-illness-59-year-old-man-found-with larvae emerging-from-body

 

 

 

 Adapted  by  Asean  Now from TheThaiger  2025-11-21

 

Just finished breakfast 😵‍💫

On 11/21/2025 at 4:57 AM, Georgealbert said:

The case was identified as myiasis linked to recent travel from Brazil

 

Myiasis - for reference Google:-

 

Myiasis is a parasitic infection where fly larvae (maggots) infest the tissue of a live host, such as a human or animal. The larvae can burrow into skin, live in wounds, or be ingested, and they feed on the host's living or dead tissue, or body fluids. Myiasis is most common in tropical and subtropical regions and often occurs through open wounds, but can also be transmitted through contaminated food or by flies laying eggs near natural body openings. 

 

Yes, it is possible to contract myiasis in Thailand, as cases caused by several native fly species have been reported. The disease is generally more common in tropical and subtropical regions with poor sanitation and hygiene practices.

On 11/21/2025 at 4:57 AM, Georgealbert said:

Images shared online prompted speculation and fears that the insect could spread in Thailand.

Calm down calm down...

Oh, that turned my guts over !

OMG I feel sick 🤢