A Florida woman discovered a disturbing surprise after returning from her honeymoon in Belize: a human botfly larva embedded in her groin. Initially, she noticed a pimple-like lesion that was itchy but not painful. Doctors initially suspected an infected bite and prescribed antibiotics, but the lesion worsened over time. Upon further examination, surgeons identified the larva, which had burrowed under her skin.
The botfly, native to Central and South America, lays its eggs on mosquitoes or other insects; when these insects bite humans, the eggs hatch, and larvae enter the skin. The woman underwent a minor surgical procedure to remove the larva, and the wound healed within a week.
While such infestations are rare in the U.S., they are more common among travelers to tropical regions. Symptoms may include itchy, red lesions, and in some cases, movement under the skin. If you experience similar symptoms after traveling to endemic areas, it’s advisable to seek medical attention promptly.
