Nairobi Flies

In Context 

• Around 100 students of an engineering college in East Sikkim have reported skin infections after coming in contact with Nairobi flies.

Image Courtesy:IE

About Nairobi flies

•  A species of insect native to East Africa and also called Kenyan flies or dragon bugs.
• They  are small, beetle-like insects that belong to two species
  •  Paederus eximius and Paederus sabaeus. 
• They are orange and black in colour, and thrive in areas with high rainfall.
  • Like most insects, the beetles are attracted by bright light.
• Effect on Human 
  • Usually ,it attacks pests that consume crops and are beneficial for humans but at times, they come in contact with humans directly and cause harm. 
    • These flies do not bite, but if disturbed while sitting on anyone’s skin, they release a potent acidic substance that causes burns.
      • This substance is called pederin, and can cause irritation if it comes in contact with the skin, leading to lesions or unusual marks or colouring on the skin. 

• Major outbreaks 

• They have happened in Kenya and other parts of eastern Africa. 
• Outside Africa, outbreaks have happened in India, Japan, Israel, and Paraguay in the past.

• Measures 
  • Sleeping under mosquito nets can help. If a fly lands on a person, it should be gently brushed off, and should not be disturbed or touched to reduce the chances of it releasing pederin.

Source:IE