Who would have thought that mangoes could pose a threat to your health? Well, it’s actually not the fruit. It’s the worms that live in the mango trees that are a menace, especially if you live in Africa. These worms are called “mango worms”, and unlike the fruit, they are far from being delicious.

Mango worms love to burrow in clothing and bedding while it dries in the fresh air. And there is no better place to dry clothing than in the hot African sun! The worms lay their eggs in the folds of the clothing, and then the body heat of the wearer incubates the eggs, causing them to hatch. These worms then burrow into the skin, creating itchy, painful welts. Scratching these itchy welts increases the affliction and can keep you awake all night. The best solution is an injection of Lidocaine.

The cure sounds far fetched, but it does work. A piece of bacon is placed on the welt and the mango worms burrow themselves into the bacon fat, where the worms can simply be peeled off the skin. Peeled off! Can you believe that? Unfortunately it has to be the real thing. Soya bacon strips won’t help this time!

The only way to avoid such uninvited guests from getting under your skin is by using a dryer, or by ironing every piece of clothing and bedding that you air dry. Otherwise, you may need to buy quite a bit of bacon! Sure, it works, but it doesn’t look all that appetizing to walk around with pieces of bacon hanging all over you!

There are many hidden dangers in life like this one, but none are worse than the hidden dangers of temptation. They may seem harmless at first, but if entertained, they can and will ravage your life and possibly rob you from eternity!

“Stay alert, be in prayer, so you don’t enter the danger zone without even knowing it. Don’t be naive. Part of you is eager, ready for anything in God; but another part is as lazy as an old dog sleeping by the fire.” (Mark 14:38 The Message)

The only prevention that can be used is to “stay alert” and depend on the One who can help you overcome (“Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.” Heb 2:18 NIV)

Let us remember that “You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.” (1 John 4:4 NIV)

Would you like some mangoes for dinner?

Rob Chaffart

(To view the entire “Nairobi, Here I Come!” devotional series, please click here.)