BREAKING NEWS
Reindeer may deliver more than presents
Animal may pose a threat to skin and eyes in human
Posted: 12/20/2012
BALTIMORE - Santa's reindeer help the big guy deliver presents to kids around the world, but they can also harbor fly larvae that cause skin problems and rare eye infections. For that reason, some suggest keeping your kids away from the animals at petting farms.
All of this comes from an infectious disease expert, who published a report saying that the fly attaches its eggs onto the hair of reindeer, also known as caribou. When the larvae hatch, they penetrate the skin, causing large bumps that can appear as long as three months after exposure.
According to Health Day News, in rare cases, the infestations can develop in children's eyes, creating firm nodules that are likely caused by an immune reaction against dead larvae. When an eye is affected, surgery can be required and vision can be lost.
Copyright 2012 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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