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What are Nairobi Flies?

Context:

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

Relevance:

GS III- Environment and Ecology

Dimensions of the Article:

  1. What are Nairobi flies?
  2. How are humans affected by them?
  3. Have there been outbreaks of the disease?

What Are Nairobi flies?

  • Nairobi flies, also called Kenyan flies or dragon bugs, 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, as has been witnessed in Sikkim in the past few weeks.
  • Like most insects, the beetles are attracted by bright light.

How are humans affected by them?

  • Usually, the insects attack pests that consume crops and are beneficial for humans — but at times, they come in contact with humans directly are cause harm.
  • Health officials say 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.
  • The skin begins to heal in a week or two, but some secondary infections can occur, especially if the victim scratches the irritated skin.

Have there been outbreaks of the disease?

  • Major outbreaks have happened in Kenya and other parts of eastern Africa.
  • In 1998, unusually heavy rain caused a large number of insects to come into the region, reported the Associated Press.
  • Outside Africa, outbreaks have happened in India, Japan, Israel, and Paraguay in the past.

-Source: Indian Express


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