{
  "id": 3444002,
  "title": "Asukawkaw communities record increase in blackfly bites",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/26/asukawkaw-communities-record-increase-in-blackfly-bites",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-08-26T06:14:23.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Ghana Business News",
    "slug": "ghana-business-news",
    "url": "https://www.ghanabusinessnews.com/2026/08/26/asukawkaw-communities-record-increase-in-blackfly-bites/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Communities in the Asukawkaw region of the Krachi East municipality have reported a rise in blackfly bites, causing concern, particularly among schoolchildren and teachers. Assembly Member Mark Oduro has urged the municipal assembly and health authorities to take immediate action to address the issue. Residents, including pupils, teachers, and other community members, have been affected by the bites, making it challenging for them to carry out daily activities. Mr Oduro highlighted the discomfort caused by the bites and the potential health implications linked to blackfly infestations in areas prone to onchocerciasis, a disease caused by worms transmitted by blackflies. He appealed to authorities to enhance surveillance and implement measures to reduce the blackfly population. The Krachi East Municipal Health Directorate has received reports of increased blackfly bites from the affected communities and conducted visits to assess the situation. Preliminary investigations suggest a rise in blackfly bites in the onchocerciasis zone, and a report has been submitted to the regional and national levels for further action. The Municipal Health Directorate is working with the municipal assembly and other stakeholders to control the blackfly population and reduce the incidence of bites through vector-control interventions. Blackflies, small biting insects found near fast-flowing water bodies, can transmit the parasite responsible for onchocerciasis, also known as river blindness. The Asukawkaw area is one of the communities where regular surveillance and intervention programs are conducted to prevent and control the disease.",
  "summary": "Communities in the Asukawkaw area of the Krachi East Municipality have recorded an increase in blackfly bites, raising concern among residents, particularly schoolchildren and teachers. The post Asukawkaw communities record increase in blackfly bites appeared first on Ghana Business News .",
  "key_points": [
    "Asukawkaw communities report increase in blackfly bites, affecting residents.",
    "Assembly Member Mark Oduro calls for immediate action from authorities.",
    "Krachi East Health Directorate conducts assessments and plans vector-control interventions."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}