8-Year-Old Vomits Worms Daily, What Experts Found
In a rare and disturbing case from China, an 8-year-old girl was found to be vomiting live worm-like creatures for nearly a month. The root of the problem? Larvae of drain flies—tiny insects commonly found in bathrooms and kitchens.
The Mysterious Illness
The child, from Yangzhou City in Jiangsu Province, had been vomiting small, 1cm-long worms frequently. Her condition confused doctors for weeks. Despite multiple hospital visits, the exact cause remained a mystery. Surprisingly, no other family members were affected.
Her father reported that each vomiting episode would produce a handful of these live worms, leaving everyone alarmed.
A Breakthrough at Soochow University Children’s Hospital
Eventually, the family reached out to Dr. Zhang Bingbing, a pediatric specialist at the Children’s Hospital of Soochow University. Dr. Zhang took a different approach. He asked the family to collect the worms and submit them to the local Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for analysis.
At the Yangzhou CDC, experts were able to identify the creatures: larvae of drain flies also called moth flies.
What Are Drain Flies?
Drain flies are tiny, fuzzy insects that thrive in damp, dark areas, such as sinks, drains, and toilet pipes. Their larvae are often found in stagnant water, especially in warm and humid climates.
Though these flies are not known to spread disease through blood, ingesting their larvae even accidentally can lead to health problems, as seen in this case.
How Did the Girl Get Infected?
According to Xu Yuhui, a senior official at the Yangzhou CDC, the girl may have swallowed the larvae while brushing her teeth or using the toilet. “Tiny splashes of contaminated water could have allowed the larvae to enter her mouth,” Xu explained.
He also noted that underground water sources in the area may have been contaminated, creating a route for the larvae to reach the household plumbing.
Prevention
- Disinfect drains regularly: Pour a mixture of boiling water, salt, and baking soda down drains to kill fly larvae.
- Keep bathrooms and kitchens clean and dry: Drain flies prefer moist environments, so ventilation and regular cleaning are key.
- Avoid touching flies with bare hands: Xu warns that killing flies with your hands can leave bacteria on your skin, which may enter your body if you rub your eyes or eat without washing your hands.
Conclusion
Although rare, this case highlights the importance of basic hygiene and environmental cleanliness. Drain flies might seem harmless, but under certain conditions, their larvae can pose health risks, especially to children.
Regular household maintenance, along with awareness about the hidden dangers of damp areas, can go a long way in preventing such strange but serious infections.
Source: Inputs from various media Sources
Priya Bairagi
Reviewed by Dr Aarti Nehra (MBBS, MMST)
I’m a pharmacist with a strong background in health sciences. I hold a BSc from Delhi University and a pharmacy degree from PDM University. I write articles and daily health news while interviewing doctors to bring you the latest insights. In my free time, you’ll find me at the gym or lost in a sci-fi novel.
