Larvae and Eggs Found in Body of Woman in Her 70s Hospitalized at Nursing Facility... Discovered by Visiting Family

Critically Ill Patient Hospitalized After Failing to Regain Consciousness Following Surgery

Larvae and eggs were discovered in the body of a patient in her 70s who was hospitalized at a nursing hospital in Gangwon Province. Health authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.

According to a YTN report on June 11, on June 7, multiple larvae—believed to be maggots—were found in the body of a patient in her 70s who was lying unconscious at a nursing hospital in Gangwon Province. The patient's family, who were visiting her at the time, shone a mobile phone light into her nose and were shocked to see the larvae wriggling inside.

Worms found inside the body of a patient at a long-term care hospital. YTN capture

When they removed the insects with a cotton swab to examine them, they measured about 1 cm in length, and eggs were also found nearby. Larvae were discovered not only around the patient's mouth, but also inside a drainage bag connected to her body to remove secretions.

The patient had been hospitalized at the nursing hospital since April after failing to regain consciousness following brain tumor surgery. She was dependent on a ventilator and several medical tubes, classifying her as a critically ill patient requiring close monitoring and care.

The family claimed that they had repeatedly asked the hospital to improve management due to issues such as contamination around the tubes, foul odors, and problems with the ventilator connection. The hospital explained that on the day of the visit, they had provided oral care and removed phlegm, but admitted that their focus on managing the mouth and throat meant they had not paid close attention to the inside of the nose.

Ultimately, the family urgently transferred the patient to another hospital. It is reported that tests there revealed abnormalities in some indicators, such as inflammation and electrolytes, and that the patient is undergoing further medical examination.

The local health authorities have begun investigating the hospital's medical records, treatment procedures, and hygiene practices related to the incident.

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