Simulium dermatitis in man--clinical and biological features in South Africa. A case report

Simulium bite reaction is described; the lesions were present mainly on the lower legs as palpable purpura, which persisted for 2 weeks with marked oedema and considerable discomfort. Simuliids are tiny bloodsucking flies, popularly known as blackflies or buffalo flies, belonging to the dipterous family Simuliidae. They occur world-wide, breed in fast-flowing streams, and are a major animal pest. This is the first description of blackfly bites in man in the South African literature.