Paederus (Nairobi Fly) Vesicular Dermatitis in Tanzania

Abstract

Four cases of dermatitis following contact with insects of the genus Paederus are described. The insects are known in East Africa as Nairobi fly and cause an acute, painful toxic epidermolysis when crushed on skin. Local clinicians are familiar with the condition, but it should also be borne in mind as a cause of unusual skin lesions in visitors returning from East Africa.