Increased Cases of Black Fly Bites « Euro Weekly News

ANECPLA, the National Association of Environmental Health, have urged the government to take measures to control the spread of the black fly plague this summer. The black fly is known for its aggressive bites, and more people are reporting bites at health centres across Spain.

What is the Black Fly?

This endemic Spanish species has been spreading exponentially in recent years, and the fly’s bites can be painful and cause infection or allergic reactions, even resulting in hospitalisation in some cases.

These insects are active during the day and can cover long distances, populations increase between the months of May and October. This year, the lack of rainfall and decreased river levels has been favourable for increasing the fly population.

The fly feeds on blood by puncturing the skin with its saw-like jaws to extract blood, depositing a small dose of an anaesthetic, so the unwitting victim is unaware of the bite for up to five minutes. The bites often swell into a welt that can be up to a few centimetres long that can last up to a month, it is also common for the bites to bleed.

The flies do not transmit any diseases.

What To Do if You’ve Been Bitten

If you have been bitten by this insect, you should apply ice to reduce the swelling. Mild corticosteroid cream can be applied to reduce inflammation. Scratching should be avoided, which may exacerbate the wound.  Allergic reactions usually manifest as a fever or reactions on the skin that are more intense and painful than usual, but serious complications are rare.

Affected Regions in Spain

Black flies have been reported in high numbers in Andalusia, Aragon, Catalonia, Madrid, Murcia and Valencia. Regions near the Ebro river are most affected by these insects, as they need bodies of water to reproduce. ANECPLA emphasises the importance of controlling fly populations with regular cleaning of rivers and bodies of water.