Nairobi Fly in Nepal. What are the symptoms and preventive measures? ( In English )

 

What is Nairobi Fly??

Nairobi fly is a beetle (insect) of black and red color which looks like an ant and whose back is raised like that of a scorpion. It is 6-10 mm long and belongs to genus Paederus. Nairobi fly is known for it's outbreak in 1998 in different countries of East Africa, majorly Kenya. This insect is the native of Kenya and hence named after the capital, Nairobi, and is also called Kenyan Fly or Dragon bug. It is found in moist places, and usually seen outside during or after heavy rain. Like many other insects, it is attracted towards light. Nairobi Fly is actually a beneficial insect which eats harmful insects and other agricultural pests in field. However, this insect contains corrosive substance in it which when comes in contact with human, become dangerous. And recently, this has been a matter of concern in Nepal and India.  

Nairobi fly in Nepal?
Recently, social media in Nepal is flooded with the news of this insect. It has harmed many people especially in eastern Nepal. This fly entered Nepal through near cities of India like Sikkim. In  a college of Sikkim namely " Sikkim Mahipal Institute of Technology" this fly has infected more than 100 students. Also, in Nepal hundreds of people are already infected and this insect is assumed to spread in other districts of Terai region and also in hilly region. Few cases are recently seen in Sarankot, Pokhara and some other districts of Gandaki Province too.

How does it infect human?
This insect is seen after rain . It follows the light towards our home and enters the house through doors, windows or gaps somewhere. When we accidentally come in contact, the "pedorin" compound present in it's hemolymph is released and cause irritation, wound or swelling up.

What are the symptoms??
Symptoms are seen after 12- 24 hours. It's symptoms are same like a common disease "Janai Khatira" in Nepal. Some common symptoms are:-
 - rashes are seen
 - inflammation and red skin
 - blisters are seen after around 24 hours
  - wound shaped like the insect are formed
 - fever is also seen in severe case
                                                                                                         
                                                                                             

                       


How to avoid Nairobi fly?
 Prevention is better than cure. So we should be careful of this insect before it infects us,
 - avoid sitting under the light
 - close the door, window or any vents from which insect may enter the house
 - use bed net while sleeping
 - wear long sleeve clothes
( one of the dangerous case is seen while we unknowingly crush the insect in our bed while sleeping, so)
-  before sleeping, bed should be cleared.

What are the treatments in case of infection?
- Firstly, if you see insect in your skin, don't panic, be calm and gently blow it off.

  : never let your hand comes in contact with eyes, otherwise it will cause conjunctivitis ( swelling up of conjunctiva) or might cause temporary blindness for some days.
- Gently wash the skin with cold soap and water
- Use ice packs to minimize pain and irritation
- Use medication or visit doctor if it doesn't get better
( Applying Aloe Vera gel is found to be one of the most effective home treatment, which has helped to heal the wound within 10 days)

How long does it take to heal the wound ?
It depends upon the severity of infection and differs from person to person. Usually, it takes 7-28 days to heal the wound.


Nairobi fly isn't that serious and dangerous neither it does severe damage but it may affect our mental condition, stops us from doing daily works and causes irritation. So, it's better to be alert and avoid yourself from this thing. It may go after rainy season is over so till then everyone is requested to stay safe.