There was a spectacle in Kabarnet Town, Baringo County after a standstill was occasioned by millions of narrow bee flies, popularly identified as 'Nairobi flies' that engulfed a section of the urban centre.
A resident who spoke to Kenyans.co.ke on Wednesday, April 22, 2020, informed that the insects had caused a major scare in the county headquarters, after they were sighted at the town public service vehicles terminal.
The flies are said to have been spotted in the Rift Valley town early, April 22.
The incident came after an announcement by the Kenya Meteorological department on heavy rainfall to be experienced across several parts of the country, with the insects reportedly mostly being found in humid areas.
Members of the public are adviced to avoid crushing the insects against their skin in case of contact.
A case study dated June 2012 on the insects in South Sudan indicated that they neither sting nor bite, but when crushed, they produce a toxin known as Pederin, contained in its haemolymph, which causes a rash-like burn on the skin.
"The most commonly affected body parts are areas usually not covered by clothing, especially the face (including periorbital) and neck, followed by the shoulders, arms, and area around the waist," the report reads in part.
It further states that the effects of the infection may be transmitted to another through contact if the first person does not seek medical attention soon enough.
"The rash develops into blister-like lesions that dry out within 1 week, and become crusted and scaly. Healing time ranges from 7 to 28 days, with most healing in 14 to21 days. In some regions, nearly all patients heal with residual skin discolouration (about 80% hypopigmentation, about 20% hyperpigmentation), whereas in others scarring rarely occurs," the report states.
Members of the public are adviced to avoid resting under bright lights, especially during rainy seasons as the insects are attracted especially to fluorescent and neon lights.
"Wearing long-sleeve shirts and hats at night (also a preventive measure against other insect vectors) diminishes the likelihood of skin contact with the insects," the report states.
People are advised to get rid of decaying vegetation around settlements as they provide a breeding environment for the insects.
On January 8, 2020, there were several cases of the Nairobi fly reported in Nairobi county, following the cold weather experienced early in the year.
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