​The Gauteng Department of Health (GDoH) has called for calm amongst communities after noting concerns raised on social media regarding an alleged disease outbreak linked to maggots and staphylococcus infection in Pretoria North clinics.
The department, through its Public Health Directorate and Tshwane District Health Services, has investigated these claims and found no evidence of a widespread outbreak.
Recently, Odi District Hospital in Tshwane attended to five patients with suspected myiasis, a condition caused by maggot infestation. Three of these were clinically diagnosed with myiasis, while the other two were found to have unrelated abscesses and were transferred to Dr. George Mukhari Academic Hospital for further care.
The three patients were seen and discharged on the same day. It is important to note that myiasis is not an infectious disease and does not spread from person to person. The condition occurs when flies lay eggs on damp clothing, bedding, or unsanitary surfaces. Once hatched, the maggots dig into the skin, causing swelling, irritation, and a boil-like lesion with a small hole through which the maggot breathes.
Common symptoms of myiasis include painful, swollen lumps on the skin; a small hole in the swollen area, sometimes with visible movement inside; itching or a sensation of something moving under the skin and in some cases, a discharge from the wound.
Preventative Measures for the disease include avoiding drying clothes or bedding directly on the ground; ironing clothes before wearing them, especially in high-risk areas; maintaining proper hygiene and sanitation; ensuring that domestic animals are treated for fly infestations and wearing shoes to protect feet from exposure.
In addition, the GDoH dismissed reports of a staphylococcus (staph) infection outbreak in Pretoria North after investigations. The investigation confirmed that on 7 March 2025, a single patient with chronic wounds, unresponsive to treatment, was seen at Jack Hindon Clinic, where laboratory tests confirmed a staph infection. The patient was referred to Tshwane District Hospital for further management.
There has been no increase in staph infections that would indicate an outbreak. Staphylococcus bacteria are commonly found on human skin and are generally harmless unless they enter the body through a wound or cut.
Motalatale Modiba, GDoH Head of Communication urged members of the public to remain calm and refrain from spreading unverified information that may cause unnecessary panic.
"We are committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all residents and encourage those experiencing concerning symptoms to seek medical attention at their nearest health facility," said Modiba.