Residents Flee to Safety as Swarms of ‘Nairobi Fly’ Invade Kenyan Town [VIDEO]

Activities in Kabarnet, Baringo County were on Wednesday brought to a standstill after a swarm of the dreaded paederus eximius beetles, locally known as ‘Nairobi fly’, invaded the town.

The insects covered most parts of the town including roads, bus stations, and business premises, forcing residents to close down their shops and flee to safety.

Residents who spoke to journalists urged the county government to intervene by spraying the insects. Daniel Mutai, a driver, said they did not report to work as their offices remain closed due to the infestation.

David Kiplagat, a community leader, said they are worried by the latest influx having recently dealt with locust invasion. He said this might be a sign of a plague.

‘Nairobi fly’ is a brown and black insect that is approximately 1 centimeter in length and does not bite or sting but when crashed against the skin, it causes a skin irritation known as Paederus dermatitis. The fly’s hemolymph contains pederin, which is a potent toxin. 

In the first 12 to 24 hours, a person may not experience any symptoms but severe burning and itching around the affected area is felt 24 hours after crashing it against the skin. Two to three days after contact with the insect, the area may redden and swell and may develop to appear like boils.

Sometimes, areas affected by the ‘Nairobi fly’ may develop a secondary bacterial infection, and this may look like a skin infection. Further, the affected area may develop dark patches.

When you touch your eye with fluid from the beetle, a condition known as Nairobi eye will occur, leading to the swelling of the eye, redness, or further complications.

People are advised to wash their hands and the affected area with soap and water immediately they crush the fly against their skin. To be completely safe, one should avoid contact with the beetles.

#NairobiFly invade Kabarnet town in Baringo County in their millions causing a major health scare

#2020 pic.twitter.com/7qhsfAfm4N

— Robin Njogu (@robinnjogu) April 22, 2020