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A survey of the prevalence of biting by the Blandford fly during 1993
Author(s) -
INSKIP H.,
CAMPBELL L.,
GODFREY K.,
COGGON D.
Publication year - 1996
Publication title -
british journal of dermatology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.304
H-Index - 179
eISSN - 1365-2133
pISSN - 0007-0963
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2133.1996.tb06973.x
Subject(s) - biting , medicine , demography , epidemiology , pediatrics , veterinary medicine , biology , ecology , sociology
Summary To assess the frequency of bites by the Blandford fly, a postal survey was carried out at the end of the1993 biting season. Questionnaires were sent to a random sample of 1500 people, selected from the lists of the two general practices in Blandford Forum, and satisfactory replies were obtained from 1203 (80%). Altogether, 194 (16%) of subjects reported one or more insect bites, during the 2‐month season, that had led to skin swelling more than 2·5 cm across. Of these, more than a quarter had suffered associated systemic symptoms, in the form of fever or joint pain. One hundred and fortynine had used medications for bites, 20 had consulted a doctor, and seven had taken time off work or school. Bites were more common in females (22%) than males (9%). This difference was due largely to a higher frequency of bites on the legs. Risk might be reduced substantially in women by wearing trousers, especially in those who spend a lot of time outdoors.