Sikkim:100 Students Fall Prey To Nairobi Flies, All You Need To Know About the Insect

Gangtok: As many as 100 students from Sikkim Manipal Institute of Technology (SMIT) and Sikkim Manipal Institute of Medical Sciences (SMIMS) have suffered from severe skin infections and its source of origin happens to be an insect which is popularly known as Nairobi Fly.

A student of SMIT has said that the infection was spreading for the last 2 months and the reason behind it might be due to the rainy season.

"Engineering teachers have indicated to us that this disease is not 'severe'," he added.

But, a student of SMIMS has claimed that the infection started spreading on the campus just a few days ago.

The student said that the contagious infection, which has mostly affected post-graduate students till now, started spreading just a week ago and informed that a proper medication facility has been provided by the institution.

As per reports, a student from SMIT got severely infected with this disease, and as a result of which, he had to undergo surgery on his hand.

The college administration has said that they are taking necessary precautions and the infected students are sent for treatment.

However, experts have said that there is nothing to panic about as the allergies were not serious and can be easily treated with some antibiotics and ointments.

Notably, the Nairobi flies originated in East Africa and they usually do not bite but if they are disturbed while sitting on someone's skin, they release a potent acidic substance which causes burns on the skin.

They are small, beetle-like insects, and have very long bodies. They are orange and black in colour and are mostly found in areas with high rainfall. They are attracted by light and moist areas.

These flies usually destroy crops and eat pests. According to the Health Department, these flies do not bite or sting. However, if disturbed while sitting on anyone's skin, they release a potent acidic substance that causes burns. Hence, it is recommended that they should be gently blown off from the surface of the skin.

Also read: Sikkim Government moves to enforce ban on glue traps

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