Maggots burrowed under skin during Africa trip

GUANGZHOU, China, Nov. 5 (UPI) -- A Chinese man who noticed sores on the side of his body following a trip to Africa had 20 maggots removed from beneath his skin.

The man, identified by the surname Ma, returned to Guangzhou following a six-month stay in Africa and went to a dermatologist shortly after his return to China to determine the cause of red sores on the right side of his body and leg.

The doctor determined the sores were caused by maggots burrowed under the man's skin and a total 20 were removed from Ma's body during a surgical procedure.

The insects were identified as African tumbu fly maggots, which are common in parts of east and central Africa. The pests are commonly known to feed on human tissue, experts said.