No evidence to link rise in cases of itchy eyes to fungus gnats, doctors say |03 February 2017

Red, swollen and itchy eyes, wheezing and coughing and asthma attacks have been on the rise in Seychelles for a while now.

In response the Seychellois public have already charged and convicted the culprit: the black fungus gnatalso known as sciarid flies or colloquially as ‘pti bebet nwanr’ which have become a nuisance in our households.

According to medical officers from the Ministry of Health however there is no evidence to link the conjunctivitis (red eyes) and other medical issues stated above to the increase of fungus gnats in the country.

“As a scientist and professional I cannot simply assume that it is the black fungus gnats that are causing the allergies without having done a full assessment and study of the situation,” explained Dr Meggy Louange.

Despite the fact that the ministry has admitted to an increase in people reporting to health centres with complaints of eye irritation and conjunctivitis after allegedly having direct contact with the gnats, they cannot conclusively link the two factors.

Dr Louange acknowledged however that a sudden increase in any organisms in the environment, such as with the gnats, might lead to allergies in some people and for this reason the ministry is monitoring the situation closely.

“Apart from the conjunctivitis some people also have complained of blocked nose and respiratory problems even those who are not prone to allergies or asthma but again we cannot conclusively state that this is because of the gnats,” she added.

On his side Dr Roland Barbé, an ophthalmologist (eye doctor) at the Seychelles Hospital, said a comprehensive study on the adverse effect the proliferation of gnats may possibly have on our eyes have not been carried out.

“It is to be noted that viral conjunctivitis usually occurs during the south-east monsoon and really dry weather periods,” Dr Barbé said.

As detailed by the ministry in a recent communiqué the gnats are small, dark-winged flying insects that thrive in compost and rotting vegetations and anywhere else that provides a steady stream of nitrogen for them to feed on.

Although considered a nuisance by us, they play an important part in the breakdown of dead and decaying matter alongside the various fungi that are also involved with this process and in a natural habitat this makes them an essential element in the decomposition cycle.

There are in fact thousands of species of sciarid that can be found in Europe, South America, Asia and Africa.

As evidenced there had been no reports or sighting of these little creatures in Seychelles until their sudden appearance in 2015 after long periods of rain.

How to control gnats and its effects (as advised by the Ministry of Health)

• Survey around the premises for potential breeding sites (decayed vegetation) and eliminate them;
  • Use stronger white lights outside as they are attracted to light and get killed by it;
  • Turn the lights outside on early, before sunset so that they get attracted and limit the numbers that enter the residences;
  • Reduce lighting inside the house;
  • Place a container of water under the lights;
    • Close doors and windows early before switching lights on;
    • Hang sticky tapes under lights;
    • Use candle lights around dinner time;
    • Install electric insectocutor (zapper) in most appropriate place(s);
    • Avoid using insecticide sprays as swarming occurs around dinner time and chemical contamination of food may occur;
    • If any gnats fly into your eyes, do not rub them. Instead wash your eyes immediately with clean tap or bottled water;
    • If the eyes become red, itchy and or painful, contact your nearest health facility for advice;
    •  If you develop any skin itchiness, wash area with lots of tap water. You only need to consult a doctor if the swelling is extensive or severe.

Compiled by Elsie Pointe