A 58-year-old woman in Greece experienced an extremely rare medical event when she sneezed out parasitic worms from her nose, a case that doctors describe as “biologically implausible". The doctors were baffled after discovering the rare medical condition.
More about parasitic creatures
Usually, in contrast, in its normal target, the larvae get sprayed in sheep’s noses, which move up into the sinuses, feed and grow into second- and third-stage larvae. From there, the larvae drip from the nose through sneezing onto the ground, burrow into the soil, pupate, and emerge as adult flies.
Also Read | Rare brain condition: 4 cases of laughing epilepsy found in Jodhpur AIIMS
The New York Post quoted the 58-year-old woman as having been working outdoors in September near a field of grazing sheep when the incident was spotted. The woman first noticed a large number of flies swarming around her face. At the time, she didn't think much of it but about a week later, she began experiencing sinus pain, followed by severe coughing over the next few weeks. Despite the discomfort, she had no other symptoms.
Infection unfolded
The turning point came on October 15, when she sneezed and worms came out of her nose. After being alarmed by the incident, she went to an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist. A surgical procedure was performed to remove 10 larvae and a pupa, an insect between the larval and adult stages, from her nasal sinus.
Also Read | From Russia to Bengal: A tiny tag revealed this bird's incredible 8,000 km journey
The doctors believe the woman’s unusually severe septum deviation (a bend in the bone dividing her nasal passages) played a key role in the infestation. Her unique nasal structure created a protected environment where the larvae could survive and even reach the pupation stage.
After the surgical removal of all the larvae and the pupa, and with the help of nasal decongestants, she made a full recovery. The researchers noted that none of her co-workers reported similar symptoms, confirming this was an isolated, freak event.
Rare case stuns doctor
While nasal infestations by sheep bot flies remain extremely rare, doctors note that certain conditions, like abnormalities in the nasal passages or weakened immunity, may allow larvae to survive and grow.
