They find larva in a young woman… See more

When doctors examined a young woman complaining of persistent pain and swelling in her scalp, they were shocked to discover live larva embedded beneath her skin. The woman, who had recently returned from a trip to a tropical region, had unknowingly become a host to a parasitic botfly. The larva had burrowed into her scalp, causing discomfort, inflammation, and an itching sensation she originally dismissed as a common skin irritation. This rare but alarming medical case highlights the importance of paying close attention to unusual symptoms, especially after traveling, and serves as a reminder of the strange and unexpected ways the natural world can intersect with human health.

What is larva?

A larva is the early, immature form of an insect that goes through complete metamorphosis. It hatches from an egg and looks very different from the adult insect. Common examples include:

Caterpillars (larvae of butterflies and moths)

Maggots (larvae of flies)

Grubs (larvae of beetles)

During this stage, the larva usually eats a lot and grows quickly before transforming into a pupa (like a cocoon), and eventually into its adult form. It’s kind of like the insect’s “childhood” phase.

How Larvae Affect Humans:

Parasitic Infections (Myiasis):Certain fly species (like botflies or screwworms) can lay eggs on human skin or in wounds. When the eggs hatch, the larvae burrow into the skin and feed on tissue, causing pain, swelling, and infection.

Food Contamination:
Fly larvae (maggots) can appear in spoiled or improperly stored food. Eating contaminated food can lead to stomach issues and infections.

Allergic Reactions:
In rare cases, contact with some insect larvae (like certain moth or beetle larvae) can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions due to their tiny hairs or secretions.

Where Larvae Are Commonly Found:
Soil and compost – especially beetle and fly larvae

Rotting food or garbage – attracts fly larvae

Still water – mosquito larvae grow there

On animals or humans – in tropical regions, parasitic larvae like botflies can infest skin

Inside fruits or vegetables – some insects lay eggs in crops, and larvae grow inside.