Africa: Sand Flea Disease Is Neglected – What Needs to Be Done

Description

Tungiasis (sand flea disease) is a parasitic inflammatory skin condition caused by the female fleas Tunga penetrans (most prevalent) and less commonly Tunga trimamillata species. The condition is also known by names such as sand flea, jigger, chigger, nigua, kuti, bicho-do-pé, puce-chique, and pique infestation.

Tungiasis occurs mainly in low- and middle-income countries and has been classified as a neglected tropical disease by the World Health Organisation (WHO). It’s one of the most widespread parasitic skin diseases in sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean. Ina Skosana asked a group of public health researchers to explain.

Subject

Parasitology