Britons traveling to Spain have warned of skin-biting black flies as numbers soar

Warning for Brits flying to Spain as worrying numbers of biting black flies have been sawn into the skin

Holidaymakers visiting Spain are warned to watch out for biting black flies, which can saw into the skin and cause swelling that can last up to a month.

Health leaders say the blackfly is “very close to becoming a major public health problem in Spain” and people who have been gored by the insect have required hospital treatment. Cases of people being blinded by the attack have been reported from other countries.

The Spanish regions most affected are: Andalusia, Aragon, Catalonia, Madrid, Murcia and Valencia.

Jorge Galván, the director-general of ANECPLA, the environmental health organization, has warned that the insect can grow up to 6mm in length, adding: “Small and dark in colour, the virulence of the blackfly bite is much greater than that of other insects.

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“The basic problem is that it does not sting but bites in the form of a saw, causing a significant wound and can lead to very alarming infections and allergic reactions, requiring hospitalization in some cases.

“The black fly bites and causes a small tear in its victim’s skin. She starts by inoculating a small dose of an anesthetic that allows her to bite without the affected person realizing it.”

Galván also warned: “Your saliva usually causes severe allergy symptoms and severe pain in the area. The final effect is a welt several centimeters in size, which usually even bleeds, accompanied by severe swelling that can last up to a month. “

Aside from causing blindness, reports have further claimed that the blackfly is a vector of serious infectious diseases such as river blindness, which is native to several countries in sub-Saharan Africa, Brazil and Venezuela.

According to ANECPLA, the black fly does not currently transmit such a serious disease in Spain, but has warned travelers that “due to globalization and the effects of climate change, it is a matter of time before this happens unless proper preventive measures are put in place to stop it.” check.”

Health experts have advised that it is important not to scratch yourself when suffering from a blackfly bite, as this can worsen the wound and become infected.

It is also recommended to apply ice to reduce inflammation or an ointment with a mild corticosteroid.

And in the worst case, it was advised to immediately go to the nearest hospital or health center and report the case to avoid worsening the disease.