Acid fly attack among the residential students in rural area at south of Tamilnadu

Paederus dermatitis is the skin irritation resulting from contact with the haemolymph of certain rove beetles, a group that is comprised by the genus Paederus. In January 2020, there was increase in the number of residential students reporting with burning skin lesions. In this context, an outbreak investigation was conducted. A Medical team of health specialists visited these residential building and premises. The inmates who were affected were interviewed and examined. On examination of the affected individuals, it was observed that the rashes were very must suggestive of acid fly toxin includes lesions. This report concluded that Paederusfuscipes as the causative agent. Top storeys of buildings, illuminated at night, facing potentially wet areas were considered to be the potential risk factor. Fly proofing of the building, cleaning the institution premises and chemical treatment was suggested as appropriate control measures.