What is "Tua Khun"? Get to know the "Tua Khun" insect, also known as the "black fly." It is a tiny insect whose bite causes more prolonged pain and itching than a mosquito but does not have poison that causes immediate death. Check prevention methods and wound care after being bitten, with a strong warning never to scratch the bite.
Regarding the case whereWang Nuea Hospital in Lampang Provinceissued a statement following the spread of online news about a patient’s death, citing the cause as a bite from"Tua Khun"(black fly), outlining the sequence of events and revealing the medical facts about the patient’s symptoms as follows.
On 8 Feb 2026, a 68-year-old male patient sought treatment for calf pain. Initial examination found no other severe abnormalities. Doctors diagnosed muscle inflammation and prescribed medication for home observation. Later that evening, the patient returned with severe calf pain, inability to walk, numbness in the calf, and skin turning purple on the face and ear lobes. Family members reported suspicion that the patient might have been bitten bya "Tua Khun"bite.
The medicalteamdiagnosed a "severe bloodstream infection (sepsis)" and low blood sugar. They promptly administered fluids and antibiotics and transferred the patient to Lampang Hospital. On 15 Feb 2026, the patient died from sepsis and respiratory failure. . The hospital also provided information that
the "Tua Khun" is not a highly poisonous insect. Normally, a bite causes only itching or small red bumps, not immediate death. This case involved sepsis, possibly due to individual factors or severe secondary infections, not from the insect’s poison. What is "Tua Khun"? The "Tua Khun" (black fly), also called "black fly" or in some places simply "Khun fly," is a tiny insect resembling a gnat with a dark black or gray color. It bites by tearing the skin to suck blood and is found in moist forested areas near clean, fast-flowing streams or waterfalls. Symptoms after being bittenCharacteristics of the wound: Unlike mosquito bites, it bites by "tearing" the skin, causing a small fresh red blood spot immediately.Symptom timing: It does not itch immediately but develops intense itching the following day.
Care and treatment after being bittenDo not scratch under any circumstances to prevent infection and deep dark scars.Wash the wound immediately with soap and clean water.Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling and calamine lotion to relieve itching.If itching is severe, take antihistamines or steroid medication to reduce inflammation.
Symptoms requiring medical attention
Infection: Pus-filled wounds, pain, swelling, redness, heat, or fever accompanying the wound.
Severe allergic reaction: Difficulty breathing, swelling of face or mouth, dizziness (seek urgent medical care).
Spreading: Numerous bumps making daily life difficult, or wounds not healing within two weeks.
Prevention and protective measures against bites