The district chief of Wang Nuea, along with public health officials, promptly investigated the case of a Lampang resident's death after being bitten by "black flies" multiple times, resulting in a severe allergic reaction. They pointed out that the chanceof this happening isone in a thousand and urged the public not topanic.They confirmed that treatment is available if patients seek medical care promptly.
In an incident widely shared online in Lampang Province, a man was bitten by many black flies after entering his own pond, resulting in purple bruises on his face and body. His relatives took him to Wang Nuea Hospital, then transferred him to Lampang Hospital, where he ultimately passed away.
Later, at 11:30 a.m. on 16 Feb 2026 GMT+7, reporters visited Thung Pao village in Wang Nuea municipality, Wang Nuea District, Lampang. They met several villagers who said they had been bitten by black flies. Those without allergic reactions had only red spots, while some experienced swelling as large as a lime. Villagers also showed reporters where black flies live, typically in gardens or cool, damp bushes. Some houses had flies swarming over vegetable plots, biting immediately when people approached.
Mr. Tosaphon Jakbunma, the Wang Nuea district chief, and Mr. Prajak Khanwet, Wang Nuea district public health officer, along with municipal officials, visited the home of Mr. Phadung, about 69 years old, the deceased man reported to have been bitten by black flies.
Officials conducted fogging and gathered initial information from relatives, who reported the deceased had multiple black fly bites and a severe allergic reaction, causing purple bruises on his legs and face. On 8 Feb 2026 GMT+7, his condition worsened, prompting relatives to take him to Wang Nuea Hospital; he was then transferred to Lampang Hospital and died on the evening of 15 Feb 2026 GMT+7.
Mr. Prajak Khanwet, Wang Nuea district public health officer, explained that black flies orblack gnats do not directly causedeath. They are only one factor. People bitten often do not realize it until they experience itching and swelling. Those with severeallergic reactionsdevelop large swollen red patches. Some have breathing difficulties, and if not properly cared for, can develop blood infections.
He advised against scratching, as broken skin increases the risk of infection spreading into the bloodstream. Symptoms vary: those without allergies experience just red spots, while allergic reactions range from small red swollen bumps the size of a coin to swelling as large as a lime or even larger patches.
Black flies typically inhabit moist tropical forests but have adapted to enter communities. In Wang Nuea District, black flies are found throughout, preferring cool areas and bushes. Initial investigations show the deceased was bitten multiple times and had a severe allergic reaction, one in a thousand cases. Early medical treatment could have prevented severity since doctors have medicines to manage symptoms. It is believed the deceased underestimated the condition and possibly scratched the bites, leading to a bloodstream infection and death.
Mr. Tosaphon Jakbunma, Wang Nuea district chief, stated that related agencies are monitoring the black fly situation. Unlike mosquitoes, black flies spread in localized areas but can affect multiple locations. Wang Nuea District, along with Wang Nuea Hospital, district health officers, and local administrative organizations, is taking immediate action.
He reaffirmed that black flies do notdirectly cause death and that treatment is available.He requested that the publicnot panic.Since doctors have medicines for these symptoms, those with allergic reactions should seek early medical treatment.
