Nairobi Fly, causing skin rashes, enters India

Nairobi Fly is the new headache in the town. As per news reports, hundreds living in North Bengal and Sikkim have been bitten by the fly and have since developed skin rashes and allergies.

The fly has been found to have emerged from East Africa. “It causes irritant contact dermatitis when it releases pederin- a toxic and acidic material on the human body. Pederin causes chemical burns on the skin,” a report by Hindustan Times says.

Skin allergy cases have been reported from east Sikkim, Mirik, Darjeeling and Siliguri.

As per a Science report in a magazine, in recent times, global warming has induced several insects to migrate to newer regions. These insects sometimes spread panic. Heavy rains are also a factor. Hilly regions are susceptible to attacks by alien creatures.