‘Nairobi fly’ causes pain, agony in Nakuru

Public health officers spraying the Nakuru GK Male prison after it was infested by Nairobi fly.

Daniel Chege, 26, hides his mottled neck. A prisoner at the Nakuru GK Prison nurses an ugly patch of blisters on his face. And a girl at a local school scratches her cheek raw.

These are all victims of the “Nairobi fly” that has been wreaking havoc among Nakuru residents in the past one week.

The lurid orange and black insect has captured the attention of the County Government of Nakuru’s health department and authorities at the Nakuru GK Prison where it has added more misery to the prisoners.

In the neighbouring estate, residents have been rehearsing how to blow the bug off their arms.

The insect doesn’t sting or bite, but when its ant-like body is crushed on any part of the body, potent toxin spills onto the skin, causing itching, a burning sensation and swelling, said county chief officer of public health Samuel King’ori.

“Oh! It hurts. It’s so itchy,” complained Chege, whose neck was patched with a scab.

King’ori says when the poison is smeared in the eye, the eye swells and turns red. Temporary blindness can occur.

The beetles, scientifically known as both Paederus crebinpunctatis and Paederus sabaeus, are common in the county.

“But this year, the population has exploded because of unusually heavy rains,” King’ori said.

Beatrice Kiprop, a resident of Kiamunyi estate, conceals the swollen right side of her face. She said she must have swatted a “Nairobi fly” while sleeping.

“First I thought there were mosquitoes at my home, but I later discovered they were Nairobi fly that have since died after I sprayed them with chemicals,” said Kiprop.

The mother of two said the insect-infested her home last week, forcing her to spray to avoid contact with it.

“I live on a farm and my house is surrounded by vegetation,” she said, adding that she was compelled to contact the department of public health for advice.

Extended breeding period

The beetles breed in wet, rotting leaves and soil. Rainfall that began in October (500 per cent above normal) has extended the breeding season, causing the population to soar, said King’ori.

 

The bugs have invaded houses, the Nakuru GK Prison and Milimani West estate.

Like most insects, the beetles are attracted by bright lights. When the lights are off, they drop and occasionally hit a person who naturally takes a swat at them.

When they die, the bug “retaliates” by releasing pederin, one of the most powerful animal toxins, which it produces to keep from being eaten.

Some 12 to 24 hours later, the skin flushes red and the victims complain of symptoms from tickling to severe burning.

At the Nakuru GK Prison, the officer in charge of health department Juliana Mirung’u told The Standard on phone that the situation has been contained.

“Three victims are in a stable condition after undergoing treatment at the prison facility,” she said.

King’ori said public health officers were also sensitising residents on breeding of the insect. Preventive measures include clearing excess vegetation.

King’ori said Sh750,000 has been allocated to purchase pesticides for spraying the “Nairobi fly” and bedbugs.