100 students of Sikkim College infected after coming in contact with Nairobi flies

Around 100 students of an engineering college in East Sikkim suffered severe skin infections after coming into contact with Nairobi flies.

About Nairobi flies
These flies are native to Nairobi, the capital of Kenya in East Africa, and are therefore called Nairobi flies.
These flies are like dragon bugs.
They belong to two species, Paederus eximius and Paederus sabaeus.
They are orange and black in color, and thrive in areas of high rainfall.
Like most insects, they are attracted to bright light.
Effect of Nairobi flies on humans
Farm pests are the primary food source of Nairobi flies, so these insects are beneficial to humans.
Since they are attracted to bright lights, it is not rare for them to find their way into human habitats.
Unlike most insects, Nairobi flies do not bite, but when they do bite, they release a fluid called Pederin that causes chemical burns on the skin.
This chemical can cause unusual burns or sores on the skin.
Within a day or two, pinhead-sized blisters appear, which are filled with a yellowish fluid.
Even though the skin may heal in a week or two, the affected area may become infected for other reasons.
Outbreaks of the disease
Outbreaks have been seen in Kenya and other parts of East Africa.
Outside Africa, there have been outbreaks in the past in India, Japan, Israel and Paraguay.
Protection against Nairobi flies
Prevent it from coming near you.
Sleeping under a mosquito net can help.
The fly should not be distracted, crushed or touched to reduce the chances of releasing the toxin.
Any area where flies sit should be washed with soap and water.

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