A medical expert has warned that horsefly bites could be fatal this summer as medicines stop working.

The warning has come about due to the unusually hot weather leading to more of the insects and the fact that infections are becoming increasing dangerous every year.

The Birmingham Live website reported that the levels of the blood-sucking flies is now at Mediterranean levels in the UK.

Antibiotics are failing to keep up with the evolution of superbugs, which is why experts fear this summer could see horsefly bites become infected and lead to untreatable conditions.

Horseflies are known for their painful bite
Horseflies are known for their painful bite

Professor Colin Garner, chief executive of Antibiotic Research UK (ANTRUK), said: “Here is a prime example of why we need to develop new medications fast to keep up with our changing climate and unexpected situations such as a horsefly bite epidemic.

“We have been warning for some time that our antibiotics are so ineffective that we could reach the situation where people will once again die from an infected scratch or bite.

“That tragic moment may just have come. I personally got bitten recently by a horsefly and it is very painful. I am self-medicating with creams and an oral antihistamine tablet to ensure the bite site does not become infected.”

According to the NHS, the majority of small but nonetheless painful insect bites and stings can be treated at home with over-the-counter medication.

But itchy horsefly bites take longer to heal and can become infected, especially if scratched.

Horsefly close-up
Horsefly populations have reached Mediterranean levels in the UK because of the heat

The effects of an infected horsefly bite can include a raised rash, dizziness, shortness of breath and weak and even swollen limbs.

Treatments include antihistamine and steroid creams and in serious cases, broad-spectrum antibiotics.

But with bacteria in our bodies becoming more resistant to these so-called wonder drugs, doctors have been left “scrabbling around” to find the right treatment to fight infections, ANTRUK says.

Professor Garner said: “It is entirely possible in 2018 that you can die of an insect bite, not just in some hot foreign clime, but here in Britain.

“We have not invested in the kinds of antibiotics we need to keep up with devious and ever-changing bacterial infections.

"Now we are in real danger that we could return to a pre-antibiotic past, where dirty wounds, bites and conditions like TB and Typhoid might kill.”

The NHS advise that you see your GP immediately if an insect bite results in symptoms of an infection such as pus, increased pain, redness and swelling.

ANTRUK offers research grants to those seeking alternatives to our current antibiotics through its Small Research Grant Scheme.

It also supports people and their families coping with the often heart-breaking effects of superbugs such as MRSA.