HEALTHPLAN MAGAZINE

Spain has seen an increase in the number of black flies (Mosca Negra in Spanish), following the scorching hot summer.

The Spanish summer of 2021 has certainly been a hot one, with temperatures reaching 40 plus degrees in many parts of the country. Because of these extremely high temperatures, experts working in the country’s National Association of Environmental Health Companies (Anecpla) have issued a warning on the increase of the black fly population, particularly near riverbeds.

Riverbeds are where the black fly reproduces, predominantly in those that are clean and generally in floating vegetation, which is uncovered when the water level begins to drop.

Unlike other flying insects, the black fly acts during the day and are particularly active during the early morning and evening. They are also able to get under clothing.

The black fly, also referred to as buffalo gnat, turkey gnat, or white socks doesn’t sting, instead, it bites the skin to tear it which is exceptionally painful.

The fly sucks blood just like a mosquito, but as the amount they ingest is usually greater, the pain is more intense and longer-lasting.

They begin by injecting a small dose of anaesthetic into its victim, allowing the fly to bite without you noticing. It is the flies' saliva that usually causes a severe allergic reaction and severe pain in the area. The final result is a welt that measures approximately several centimetres across. The welt usually bleeds and is accompanied by a swelling that can last up to a month.

Other symptoms can include fever, headache, nausea and swollen lymph nodes.

Anecpla states that the fly, which measures just six millimetres long, can “in a swarm kill mice or birds and, in the case of people, its attack usually causes swelling and wounds that can last more than a week.”

Jorge Galvan, general director of the National Association of Environmental Health Companies explained that a bite from a black fly can cause "very alarming infections and allergic reactions, which in some cases require hospitalisation".

He added that "High temperatures are one of the main factors for producing a spike in the black fly population, Its life cycle, which can be completed from a few days to several months, can be reduced by half when it is very hot, as happened last week, thus producing a boom and, consequently, an increase in the number of bites.

“It is not an invasive species, the black fly is indigenous, but for several years spikes have been observed in its attacks on humans. Hence, we see it necessary to deal with this plague that it is becoming a public health problem,” concluded the general director of Anecpla.

So what can you do to avoid being bitten?

Anecpla has issued some recommendations to help you avoid being a casualty of this pesky insect this summer.

• Avoid walking by a river, or areas near them, particularly during the late afternoon.
• Wear light clothing and ditch the bright colours that can attract swarms.
• Avoid the accumulation of pools of water outside your house and keep water tanks covered.
• Check the drains.
• Place mosquito nets on windows and doors.
• Use certified repellents, in particular those containing citronella.
• Contact the professionals, if you see no improvement.

If you do become a victim, Anecpla’s advice is to not scratch the bite. This is because it can worsen the wound and cause it to become infected.

Instead, you should apply ice to the bite to help reduce inflammation or apply an ointment with a mild corticosteroid.

The experts state that if the reaction to the bite worsens, you should visit your nearest health centre or hospital.

Learn more about 10 Tricks To Keep Flies Away

Source

http://www.surinenglish.com/national/202108/19/spanish-experts-warn-plague-20210819114002.html
https://www.thelocal.es/20210818/black-flies-are-thriving-in-spains-heat-how-to-avoid-their-bites/