Date Time
March fly warning for Pilbara and Gascoyne regions
The Department of Health is warning residents and travellers across the Pilbara and Gascoyne regions to take extra care to avoid March flies, as a number of people have reported severe allergic reactions after being bitten by the insects.
WA Health’s Acting Medical Entomologist Dr Jay Nicholson said recent rainfall combined with warm temperatures has led to an increase in March fly breeding in some areas.
“This has been particularly evident around Roebourne, where several people have experienced severe reactions after being bitten,” he said.
“Although March flies are not known to transmit diseases to people in WA, bites can cause adverse allergic reactions, including skin redness and swelling.