Is the story about a botfly in Indiana real?

Answer by  MrPKitty (329)

Botfly infestation is often passed through mosquito bites. So having one in the eyeball isn't going to happen, but around the eye or even the eyelid, yes it's totally possible.

Answer by  dragonfly (38)

While it is true that botflies can lay eggs under the skin, this particular story is untrue. The botfly is found in Central America. Similar instances have happened, just not this particular one.

Answer by  wjgsert (403)

Human botflies can burrow into the eyes, a case was found where a botfly had to be removed from a childs' eye.

Answer by  Ian92 (11)

The story regarding the botfly in Indiana getting into a woman's eye is not true. Botflies use various mammals as hosts and this can sometimes involves human. Although the skin of humans allows for botflies to thrive, an eye of a human being would not be a sufficient place for the larvae of the botfly to grow.

Answer by  manamana (203)

Yes it is real. It is an insect in the Oestridae famliy. It is a parasite that lives in the bodies of mammals. The human botfly is the only known species to leave its larvae in the human body. They carry their eggs in their wings and deposit them on the skin of a mammal where they hatch and burrow.

Answer by  xsut (943)

Their is debate whether or not this story is real. Many people say that the story is real and that a botfly was removed from a woman's eye. Upon investigation, I was not able to find a video or anything besides people stating their opinion about the matter. Call a local news station in Indian for more accuracy.

Answer by  pappu (170)

Sorry it took so long to respond. I have been gone since before Christmas, so just now reading your email. What a horrible story! I believe this is the worst case of botfly misdiagnosed I have heard of.

Answer by  vidyaanil (17)

Assuming you live in the Americas, there are only two species that actually live in human skin. (1) the human bot fly (Dermatobia hominis - see http://ambergriscaye. com/pages/town/botfly. html) and (2) the chigoe or sticktight flea