WANTED DEAD OR ALIVE
TUNGIASIS
Description
Tungiasis is a skin infestation with the burrowing flea tunga penetrans. He is paralleled by inflammation of the surrounding tissue. At first Tungiasis pursers as a bug bite on the victim's foot(feet), if he goes untreated then he could spread covering the foot with disgusting black spotted bumps.
Modus Operandi
Tunga penetrans flea is known as chigoe flea, jigger, nigua or sand flea.
In 2009, tungiasis is present worldwide in 88 countries with varying degrees of incidence!
Commom Victims
Hide-Out
Common Symptoms
Due to the limited jumping ability of the tunga flea the most common site of infection is the feet. The lesion forms a punctum or ulceration, and is often described as a white patch with a black dot. The flea breathes through the opening of the lesion. The lesion can range from 4-10mm in diameter.
The lesions can be painful and very itchy, although in some cases there may be no symptoms. In some cases there may also be redness and swelling around the affected site.
Threat Rating
Number of Victims
Prevention or Victims
Physical removal of the flea using sterile forceps or needles. The opening needs to be enlarged and often when the flea is engorged it can be difficult to extract. In many cases the entire lesion needs to be cut out.
Application of topical anti-parasitic medications such as ivermectin, metrifonate, and thiabendazole. Suffocation of the flea by applying a thick wax or jelly. Locally freezing the lesion using liquid nitrogen (cryotherapy). All precautions should be taken to prevent secondary infections such as cellulitis, bacteremia, tetanus and gangrene Wearing shoes when travelling in endemic regions can easily prevent infestation. In some areas where the fleas are prevalent, spraying the ground with an insecticide such as malathion can significantly reduce the number of infestations.