A young mother who had been thrilled by the birth of her son three weeks ago lost jubilance on Monday after it was discovered that one of the child's ear had been infested with maggots.

The 24-year-old told THE STAR that the disturbing incident has left her uneasy.

According to woman, who hails from Lawrence Tavern in St Andrew, the insects were discovered while the child was sucking on her breast.

She recalled, "When I finish bathe him and was breastfeeding him I saw two maggots crawl out and I box them out and bawl out and him father came and pick it up and put it in a clear plastic bag. I was frightened so I box it out."

THE STAR understands that following the discovery the child was taken to the Bustamante Hospital for Children in St Andrew where he has been admitted since.

"While I was there waiting I saw three more crawl out and then them tek him to the ears specialist. Dem look inside him ears and say dem didn't see anymore," the mother said.

The incident she claims has left even the doctors astonished.

"Them say dem never see anything like that and that the only way maggot could be in him ears is if fly go down there," she expressed.

When our news team spoke to the woman yesterday she informed us that she is yet to be made aware of a diagnosis. "Him seem fine to me now but I don't get any information from the doctor as yet. Dem draw a lot of blood to test so I should hear something soon," she said.

Still yet, the mother has been left wondering whether the infestation could have resulted from the child's delivery.

"I had the baby at Jubilee but when him born is like him swallow some a him dodo. When I ask the doctor dem say that don't have anything to do with it," she explained.

In analysing the situation, Dr Jephthah Ford told THE STAR that it is highly unlikely for the maggots to have been in the baby's ear since delivery.

He said that it is more likely that a fly had got on to the baby and that it is a matter of hygiene. "If the infestation is heavy, the child may be put to sleep while the maggots are being removed. He will be given anti-maggot medicine to ensure that the maggots come out," Dr Ford said. Further he noted that, "Maggots are borers, they bore into things. I can only hope and pray that the maggots didn't bore through the air drum and the middle air."

In the meantime, Dr Ford also said that the hospitalisation of the child is no indication that there are any complications.