In Sikkim and Siliguri, Nairobi flies, acid saffron-coloured beetle flies are infecting people with reports of 100 SMIT students infected.
The Nairobi flies are called rode beetles, belong to the saffron-coloured beetle family and and while they do not bite, the substances they release are causing painful infections that even require surgery if severe. Infections are spreading in and around the Sikkim Manipal Institute of Technology (SMIT) campus like wildfire. The flies have been found mostly in Jorethang South Sikkim and Majhitar East Sikkim. Moist areas in Jorethang and Majhitar have been experiencing Nairobi fly cases.
It is reported that over 100 SMIT students have contracted infections after coming in contact with the Nairobi flies at Majhitar in Manipal, Sikkim. However, the information regarding 100 students, has not been confirmed officially. Health authorities have stated that they have commented on NF only after researching it.
In parts of Siliguri such as in Pradhan Nagar, Baghajotin Colony, citizens are also infected by Nairobi flies, also known as acid flies due to the flies releasing acid-like substances.
”These flies are not biting. We should not touch it if it reaches our body, as it will release chemicals. It should just be gently blown out. If it sits on hands, after blowing it, hands should be washed with soap,” said Sonam Gyaltsen Bhutia, State Information, Education and Communication Officer, Health Department, on Sunday.
He has also stated that the fly eats up the pests that destroy our crops. The flies, called Rode Beetles, belong to the Beetle family and have a saffron color. If squashed or squeezed, the toxic juice released is harmful. At least 100 students have reportedly been affected by it in Majhitar, Manipal, while one student had to get his hand operated after being infected by the acid fly.
Renowned Plastic Surgeon of North Bengal Dr. Sohaib Akhtar confirmed about the acid flies and said, “Seen quite a few patients in recent times..even today I saw 2 cases.”
How Does the Nairobi Fly Infect a Person?
The beetles neither sting nor bite, but their haemolymph contains pederin, a potent toxin that causes blistering and Paederus dermatitis. It can cause chemical burns if it comes into contact with skin. Due to these burns, the Nairobi fly is sometimes referred to as a “dragon bug”. Touching an eye with the acid can blind it for days.
The toxin is released when the beetle is crushed against the skin, often at night, when sleepers unknowingly swipe away the insects from their faces. People are advised to gently brush or blow the insect off their skin to prevent irritation.
Not Contagious
Acid while released on the skin causes infection and reactions but it is not infectious.
Treatment
Treatment includes rapidly washing the affected area, applying cold, wet compresses, and possibly treating with antibiotics, steroids, and antihistamines.
Preventives
The main preventative measures to reduce contact with Paederus rove beetles include the use of bed nets, long-sleeve clothing, and avoiding sitting under lights at night. If a beetle does land on your skin it should be blown or gently brushed off and not crushed.
Where are Nairobi Flies From?
Nairobi Flies is a species of rove beetles native to East Africa, and have been spotted in the Himalayan state of Sikkim.