Bloodsucking Blandford flies that cause groin swelling and blisters are set to invade UK
The Blandford fly normally bites ankles and legs as it flies low to the ground and is most common during May and June
BLOODSUCKING flies that can cause swelling, blisters and joint pain with one single bite are set to invade the UK.
Brits are warned to be on high alert as cases of Blandford fly bites are increasing.
Warnings come from Public Health experts after cases were reported in Herefordshire earlier this year.
The Blandford fly is a tiny 2-3mm bloodsucking black fly which lives near areas of water like rivers and lakes.
The fly normally bites ankles and legs as it flies low to the ground and is most common during May and June.
In the past, victims have reported suffering groin swelling and blisters.
Other symptoms can include joint pain and sometimes high temperature.
Karen Wright, director of Public Health for Herefordshire, said as the weather starts to get warmer it's likely there will be more cases of Blandford fly bites.
She said: "We encourage people to take precautions if they're out and about on rivers and streams, especially over the forthcoming bank holiday weekend, by covering up and using a good quality insect repellent.
"If you do get bitten, it can often feel very uncomfortable with swelling, blistering, joint pain and sometimes high temperature.
WHAT TO DO
If you get bitten:
- Clean the bite area and dry gently
- Don't scratch the bite, as this can lead to infection
- Apply a gold compress or calamine lotion
- Antihistamine creams are not recommended, as they can sometimes cause skin reactions
- Cover large blisters with a dry dressing
- If bites are on the lower limbs, there may be swelling of the ankles and feet for several days. Don't worry about this, simply rest with your feet supported on a stool
Seek medical advice if you have:
- Discomfort, swelling or red lines in the groin or armpit
- A fever
- A spreading redness or hotness around the bite, which lasts longer than three days
"However, there's normally no need to visit a GP.
"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."
The fly is named after the Dorset area of Blandford but is also found in other areas including Norwich and Oxfordshire.
It has been blamed for hundreds of cases of allergic reaction reports in Herefordshire.
Some local authorities along the River Stour, which runs betweek Suffolk and Essex, are said to spray the Blandford fly larvae in April to cut down on bites later in the season.
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