Bloodsucking horseflies carrying 'killer' infections are invading west London and other parts of the UK, according to a study by Antibiotic Research UK (ANTRUK).

The current heatwave is to blame for a huge increase in the UK's 'vampire' horsefly population, according ANTRUK.

The number of horseflies, also known as clegs, in Britain has reached Mediterranean levels, prompting ANTRUK to issue an urgent warning, Birmingham Live reports.

As well as the painful swellings bites from the horseflies can produce, there is also the risk they carry some infections which may not be treatable with current antibiotics.

Professor Colin Garner, Chief Executive of ANTRUK, said: “Here is a prime example of why we need to develop new medications fast to keep up with our changing climate and unexpected situations such as a horsefly bite epidemic.

“We have been warning for some time that our antibiotics are so ineffective that we could reach the situation where people will once again die from an infected scratch or bite.

“That tragic moment may just have come. I personally got bitten recently by a horsefly and it is very painful. I am self-medicating with creams and an oral antihistamine tablet to ensure the bite site does not become infected.”

Hot weather has caused populations of bloodsucking horseflies to skyrocket

NHS experts say the majority of small but nonetheless painful insect bites and stings can be treated at home with over-the-counter medication/

But itchy horsefly bites take longer to heal and can become infected, especially if scratched.

The effects of an infected horsefly bite can include:
• A raised and nasty rash
• Dizziness
• Shortage of breath
• Weak and swollen limbs



Treatments include antihistamine and steroid creams and in serious cases, broad-spectrum antibiotics.

Current treatments include antihistamine and steroid creams and in serious cases, broad-spectrum antibiotics.

Horsefly bites need to be kept clean, otherwise they can get infected and end up looking like this.

But with bacteria in our bodies becoming more resistant to these so-called wonder drugs, doctors have been left “scrabbling around” to find the right treatment to fight infections, ANTRUK says.

Professor Garner said: “It is entirely possible in 2018 that you can die of an insect bite, not just in some hot foreign clime, but here in Britain.

“We have not invested in the kinds of antibiotics we need to keep up with devious and ever-changing bacterial infections.

"Now we are in real danger that we could return to a pre-antibiotic past, where dirty wounds, bites and conditions like TB and Typhoid might kill.”

The NHS advise that you see your GP immediately if an insect bite results in symptoms of an infection such as pus, increased pain, redness and swelling.

ANTRUK offer research grants to those seeking alternatives to our current antibiotics through its Small Research Grant Scheme ( https://www.antibioticresearch.org.uk/antruk-launches-small-research-grants-scheme/ ).

It also supports people and their families coping with the often heart-breaking effects of superbugs such as MRSA.