Although these flies do not bite, they have been reported to generate a powerful acidic chemical that can burn flesh when disturbed while resting on someone's body.

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Digital Desk: Following contact with Nairobi flies, approximately 100 students at an engineering college in East Sikkim developed serious skin diseases, according to officials on Tuesday.

They reported that Nairobi flies, which are native to East Africa, are expanding quickly on the Sikkim Manipal Institute of Technology (SMIT) campus in Majhitar.

They claimed that a student who had just become ill with the insects had to have his hand surgically repaired. According to Health Department experts, despite not being local, the flies can take over new locations as they search for breeding grounds and an abundant food supply.

They claimed that these flies typically devour bugs and ruin crops.

Although these flies do not bite, they have been reported to generate a powerful acidic chemical that can burn flesh when disturbed while resting on someone's body.

It is best to gently blow the flies off without disturbing or touching them. It is best to use soap and water to wash the area where these flies are present.

According to the college administration, the affected students are receiving treatment and recuperating.

Students are being informed of the dos and don'ts for handling the situation as insecticides are being sprayed on the campus, it said.