It is known by the name Tunga penetrans, chigoe flea, sand flea, jigger (not to be confused with chigger), and bicho de pie (“bug of the foot”). This flea is indigenous to the West Indies, Caribbean, and Central America, but it has now spread to South America, Africa, and India. Habitats include warm, dry soil and sand of beaches, stables, and stock farms. The chigoe flea uses warm blooded hosts such as humans, pigs, dogs, cats, cattle, horses, and rats for reproduction and is the smallest known flea at only 1 mm. The female invades unprotected skin areas and burrows into the epidermis of the host. As one of the names suggest, the feet are the most common site. Most lesions are found near the plantar surfaces of the foot and in the webbing between the toes.
The infestation of chigoe fleas is called Tungiasis. Lesions of tungiasis are a white patch with a black dot in the center. The flea breathes through the opening of the lesion. Lesions may be painful and itchy and may also result in redness and swelling. More advanced infestations include crusted, red papules and secondary infections such as bacterimia, lymphangitis, tetanus, and gas gangrene. After one to two weeks, the female lays eggs that drop to the ground through the lesion opening. She then dies and is sloughed off with the host’s skin.
What does this have to do with Christopher Columbus? The first reports of Tungiasis came from members of Christopher Columbus’ crew. They likely picked the fleas up after being shipwrecked on Haiti. It is reported that crew members cut off their toes to get rid of the flea infestations!
Find out what's happening in Snellvillewith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Most reported cases of Tungiasis in North America are actually the result of traveling to an infested area. If you take a trip to an endemic region, wear shoes!
We can help with any of your household pest needs! Feel free to call Mid-Ga Pest control for all of your pest control needs!
Find out what's happening in Snellvillewith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Tags: Conyers Pest Control, Griffin Pest Control, Peachtree City Pest Control, Covington Pest Control, McDonough Pest Control
Content Distribution Provided By Freskos Media an Atlanta Internet Marketing Company
