On Monday, the Purnia health administration put the district on high alert over reports of Nairobi flies infiltrating the eastern region of Bihar from neighboring West Bengal and Sikkim. The flies have invaded three districts of Bihar namely Purnia, Kishanganj and Araria which has caused a stir in the entire state.Also read – Viral video: Bihar DMA slaps headmaster and orders pay cut for wearing ‘kurta pajamas’, Twitter angry | Watch
On July 5, about 100 students of an engineering college in East Sikkim reported a skin infection after being exposed to Nairobi flies. One student had to undergo hand surgery after being exposed to the Nairobi fly. Also read – Deoghar Airport: People lit lamps before the arrival of PM for the historic inauguration
What are Nairobi flies?
The Nairobi fly is part of the beetle family Staphylococcus aureus, commonly known as the row beetle. These flies can cause burns or dermatitis on human skin. Nairobi flies are also known as the Kenya Fly or Dragon Bug. They belong to two species – Pedrus excimus and Pedrus subas. Also read – ‘Teachers ask for massage, not mid-day meal’: Students vandalize school in Katihar, Bihar | Watch the video
How to identify the Nairobi fly?
Well, they are orange and black in color and usually bloom during the rainy season. According to a report by Indian Express, These insects are attracted by bright light. Also, they have long bodies.
What happens when you come in contact with a Nairobi fly?
For the unreliable, the Nairobi fly does not bite or bite. According to The Conversation, “The beetle burns when it is slightly or completely stuck. This frees the ‘juice’ from the invertebrate hemolymph of the blood. “
The toxin that causes this burn is called pederin. It is produced by a symbiotic bacterium that lives inside beetles.
Flies can cause abnormal scars, inflammation or skin discoloration.
How to protect yourself from Nairobi flies?
Make sure you wash the affected area with soap and water. Lie down under a mosquito net, if a fly comes at you, make sure you brush it lightly.
