Sanitation aspects on Nairobi fly.
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| Nairobi fly |
With all the two
hands i lay down my sincerely thanks on you for being enthusiastic on
this platform. Happy new year 2020.The year has been with great blessing
as it rains almost everywhere in the country. The condition has driven me to
write and to remind the public at large on the sanitation aspects to our
environment which can upsurge the emanating and emerging of some insect
vector which may pose significant effect such as the Nairobi fly (Narrow bee fly) which is influence with
humid and rainy condition. Nairobi Fly, as it is
commonly called is the insect species which belong to beetle which
live in east Africa some named as kenya fly. Their two species of it with
scientific name Paederus eximius and paederus sabaeus. It does not bite or sting It only causes problems for humans
when crushed onto the skin which result to skin irritation known as Paederus
dermatitis as individual inconstant with corrosive substance pederin wich
is highly toxic ,more potent and irritant than cobra venon but where
the Nairobi fly may have been crushed, lesions, referred to as “kissing”
lesions, may appear.Two to three days after contact with the beetle, the
area may redden and swell, and small blisters may appear, which may progress to
look like boils, create blister leading to sore on the skin. Occasionally,
areas affected by the Nairobi fly may develop secondary bacterial infection,
and this may seem like a skin infection. In addition, the affected area may
develop dark patches. When the individual is in contact on the eyes with the
toxin it leads to swelling eyes and redness a condition known as Nairobi eye.
Treatment
1. Once contact has
been made with the fly, or if you crush the fly (Narrow bee fly) against your skin, wash your hands and the
affected area immediately with soap and water.
2. Apply a mild
topical steroid ointment and where there is likelihood of bacterial super
infection, apply an antibiotic ointment
Environmental Aspects.
The bug lives in bushes surrounding houses, in which
it hides during the day and at night it gets out, attracted by fluorescent
lights. The places where those small bugs are mostly seen are toilet seats and
ceilings from where they fall on their victims.On the situation where
there is heavy rain the Nairobi fly (Narrow
bee fly) thrive at large which is
the current situation now. Not only that but also condition which grasses have
bloom make them prevail.
Sanitation aspects solution
To be completely safe, avoid contact with
the beetles in the first place by doing the following;
·
Clear excess
vegetation from and around houses as currently many houses are
surrounded with grasses.
·
Should you crush
one, avoid touching your eyes. Wash your hands and the affected area
with water and soap immediately
·
Check areas for the beetle around beds and ceilings before going to
bed.
·
During the rainy
season when the Nairobi fly is prevalent, close all doors and windows before
it gets dark.
·
Sleep under a mosquito
net.
If you see one crawling on your skin, blow it off
rather than brush it away. This reduces the risk of crushing it. You can also
use a piece of paper to remove it from your skin.
Written by: Peter chilipweli –Assistant Lecturer -Ruaha catholic university (RUCU