British National Health warns about an increase in bloodsucking flies

Director of Public Health for Herefordshire Karen Wright issued a warning about a new outbreak of bloodsucking flies called Blandford fly.

The British organization explained that the fly leaves a nasty bite that can make people ill. They added that the outbreak was expected due to the fact that the cases of Blandford fly bites tend to increase as the weather warms up, reported Gloucestershire Live.

This type of insect is a 2-3mm bloodsucking black fly that lives near areas with water, including rivers, ponds, and streams, and it usually bites ankles and legs. May and June have been reported as the most dangerous months regarding Blandford flies.

Wright urged the citizens of Gloucestershire, the British city where the warning was issued, to take precautions if they plan to go on outdoors activities.

Some of her advice was to cover their bodies up properly and to use a strong insect repellent.

She pointed out that if someone got bitten, they would have an uncomfortable feeling with swelling in that spot. Apart from that, a blistering, joint pain, and mild fever are also possible.

Wright added that, most of the times, it was not necessary to visit a doctor for it as the symptoms tend to go away after the third day.

‘If you do feel unwell after a bite, please call NHS 111 or visit your local pharmacy for advice on how to ease your discomfort. For the majority of people, the symptoms will only last a few days before clearing up.’

Karen Wright, Gloucestershire Live, May 14, 2018.

The source added some advice for those who get bitten, which are: cleaning and drying the area gently, not scratching as it can cause infection, applying a cold compress, not applying antihistamine creams, and covering large blisters with dry dressings.

If the discomfort, swelling, or red lines are in the groin or armpit, if experiencing high fever, or if the redness and hotness around the bite last longer than three days, the patient should seek medical help.