Cordylobia anthropophaga: Furuncular myiasis in a family of 3

Cutaneous myiasis due to infestation by the larva of Cordylobia anthropophaga is an underreported occurrence. Awareness is important to avoid misrecognition or delay in diagnosis. We describe a family of three with cutaneous myiasis caused by the African Tumbu fly (Cordylobia anthropophaga) presenting as multiple abscesses, demonstrating the need for a detailed travel history in such a presentation. The nature of the lesions, the life cycle and treatment modalities are discussed. Cutaneous myiasis requires an awareness of its clinical features specifically in patients presenting with furuncular skin lesions who live within endemic areas or persons returning from such areas. Diagnosis is mainly clinical and lesions heal well after the extraction of the larvae. Good personal hygiene including ironing of clothes is crucial in controlling C. anthropophaga infestation.