Nairobi Flies

Facts for Prelims

Nairobi Flies

News: Recently, after coming into contact with Nairobi flies, approximately 100 students in East Sikkim have reported skin infections.

About:
• They are species of insect native to East Africa.
• They are orange and black in colour and thrive in areas with high rainfall, as has been seen in Sikkim in recent weeks.
• Like most insects, they are attracted to Bright lights.

How do they affect humans?
• These insects usually don't bite but if they are disturbed during their stay on human skin, they could release a potent acidic substance that can cause burn on human skin.
• The released substance is called Pederin and it can cause irritation on the skin, which leads to lesions or unusual marks or coloring of the skin.