Tunga penetrans

Tunga penetrans is a parasitic insect known as the chigger flea, sand flea, chigoe flea, jigger, or nigua. It is native to Central and South America, and has been inadvertently introduced by humans to sub-Saharan Africa.

Description

Tunga penetrans is the smallest known flea, measuring 1 mm across. Females are larger than males, and are the only sex to penetrate the skin of a host and suck blood. The female burrows entirely into the host's skin with her abdomens erupting from the host's skin. This causes intense irritation and the area around the penetration site becomes inflamed.

Life Cycle

The life cycle of Tunga penetrans involves four stages: eggs, larvae, pupae, and adult. The female flea lays hundreds of eggs that drop to the ground. These eggs hatch into larvae that feed on organic material in the soil. The larvae then develop into pupae and finally into adults, ready to infest a host.

Distribution

Tunga penetrans is native to Central and South America but has been introduced to sub-Saharan Africa. It is found in the tropical parts of these regions, particularly in areas with sandy soil where the flea can complete its life cycle.

Medical Significance

Tunga penetrans is a significant health problem in many parts of the world. The flea's penetration into the skin causes a condition known as tungiasis. This condition is characterized by severe inflammation, pain, and itching. In severe cases, secondary infections can occur, leading to more serious conditions like gangrene or sepsis.

Prevention and Control

Prevention of tungiasis involves avoiding contact with soil in infested areas. This can be achieved by wearing protective footwear. Control measures include regular treatment of domestic animals with insecticides and improving sanitation and waste management to reduce the flea's breeding sites.

See Also

• Flea
• Parasitic Insects
• Tungiasis

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