Once mango fly larvae penetrate the skin, it may take several days for symptoms to start. Infestation occurrences may escalate after periods of intense rainfall, affecting greater numbers of people. Humans can also become infected if precautions aren’t put in place. This is, however, not unheard of, since larvae may be accidentally transported in baggage on airplanes or boats.ĭogs and rodents are the most common hosts for mango flies. It’s less likely to occur in other regions. Mango fly infestation is common in tropical parts of Africa. Signs and symptoms of a mango fly infestation As fully formed maggots, they continue to grow into maggot flies over a three-week period. When larvae are fully matured, they burst out of the skin and fall off. It may be possible to see or feel the larvae wiggling under the skin during this time. Adult maggots burst out of boils in the skinĪs the larvae continue to mature into adult maggots, the boil will start to fill with pus. During this time, a red, solid boil with a hole or tiny black dot on top will form and grow. Once under the skin, the larvae feed on subcutaneous, living tissue for two to three weeks as they continue to grow. Once the larvae make contact with a mammalian host, such as a dog, rodent, or person, they painlessly burrow under the skin. Mango fly larvae can survive without a host for up to two weeks. Larvae from the hatched eggs crawl under the skin and grow

This process usually takes around three days. Once laid, they hatch into larvae, their next stage of growth. Clothing that’s dropped to the ground and laundry that’s being air-dried outside are some examples of places where mango fly eggs may be left. Items that smell of sweat also attract mango flies, but washed clothes can also attract them. They may also lay their eggs in the seams of clothing, bedding, towels, and other soft materials that have been left outdoors. How mango fly larvae get under the skin Where mango flies like to lay their eggsįemale mango flies like to lay their eggs in dirt or sand that carries the scent of urine or feces.

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