RESUMEN
INTRODUCTION: Myiasis is a disease caused by the infestation of fly larvae in the skin, which complete part of their life cycle by feeding on host tissues. OBJECTIVE: To report a rare case of tongue myiasis in a patient admitted to a psychiatric ward, focusing on clinical management. CASE REPORT: A dependent care and mentally challenged 55 years old male patient was hospitalized in a psychiatric ward. After 42 days, during the intraoral examination, it was noted numerous larvae peeking from inside of a wound on the dorsum of the tongue. The clinical diagnosis of myiasis was rendered. For the treatment, manual removal was performed initially and ivermectin (15 mg), metamizole sodium (500 mg/ml), and chlorhexidine digluconate (0.12%) were prescribed. After one week, larvae were no longer observed, and the wound was completely healed. CONCLUSION: Myiasis occurrence is uncommon in the mouth, however, its correct diagnosis and treatment are necessary to avoid further damage to patients, especially those who are hospitalized.