Twelve people in Upington and Kuruman have been treated for the climatic disease thus far. This is the first outbreak recorded in the Northern Cape.

Gloria Hottie says the disease is spread by flying maggots that penetrate the skin and develops in the tissue under the skin.

She says people in rural areas or people that come in close contact with domestic animals are at high risk. Hottie adds that the disease can be treated with antibiotics at a local hospital.

“You get sort of a skin infection. You get pimples that look like boils. You will get a worm that will come out and that's how you get infected. I appeal to people to keep their yards or the area where they keep domestic animals, very clean. They must also keep their living conditions hygienic. After hanging your clothes outside, wash and iron them before you wear them,” says Hottie.

OFM News