Black Flies in Rockland County Bite but aren’t Dangerous

By Sarah Morgenstern

Coming in with warmer weather, black flies have invaded Rockland County, and they are biting children, but doctors have said that the red, itchy marks are harmless.

“First, there is no human infectious disease that is caused by these flies that we know of,” said Dr. Ivan Miller, the head of emergency medicine for Westchester Medical Center told news12 Hudson Valley. 

The bites are merely allergic reactions that can be treated with over-the-counter Benadryl or other antihistamines, Dr. Miller reassured after a New Paltz mother said that she noticed strange red marks on her 4-year-old daughter.

In addition, Dana Savitsky, a mother in Bedford, noticed the marks on her 8-year-old daughter in the same place, but two weeks apart. 

The black fly bites have alarmed parents, who are understandably wary of the many recent viruses, such as Covid and monkeypox, which possibly originated from contact with animals.

“All these crazy viruses this year,” said Miquel Cohn, a New Paltz parent. “And now we have to worry about intense bugs.” 

But Dr. Miller said not to worry.  

“I would remain calm if my child got these bites," said Dr. Miller.

Photo Credit: Hudsonvalleynews12