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New disease transmitted by insects spreads in Guinea

Xinhua, November 24, 2015 Adjust font size:

A new skin disease said to be transmitted through insects has been discovered in Guinea, with an average of 30 cases reported daily at the Donka University Hospital in Conakry, an official source said Monday.

According to specialists, the disease known as "dermatite da Paederus" results from contact with the skin of an insect called rove beetle or commonly known by its scientific name as "Staphylinidae."

Dr. Mohamed Cisse, the chief dermatologist at Donka hospital, said the disease is caused by the insect which, once it crushes on human body, it causes skin injuries on the affected body part.

"It is a disease that periodically appears in West Africa, with the first time having been in 2008," he said.

However, Cisse noted that the number of cases was higher this year, hence the fear the disease has created among the population.

Following the appearance of the disease a few weeks ago, Guinea's National Council for Civil Society Organizations (CNOSCG) issued a statement attributing the disease to a new insect that was moving in Conakry and other neighbouring regions in the country.

CNOSCG urged those exposed to the insect "not to crush it on their skin in case of contact and to get disinfected using insecticides recommended by medical experts." Endit