Jigger Education: What is Jigger? Read on to learn more about Jigger treatment, Jigger (Tungiasis) symptoms, causes and epidemiology.
Jigger is a colloqial name used in Kenya to describe both the sand flea as well as the symptoms it causes.
In the scientific sphere, the flea is called tunga penetrans.
The symptoms causes by tunga penetrans are called symptoms of the disease tungiasis.
Tungiasis is a tropical parasitic disease. It is classified by the World Health Organisation as a Neglected Tropical Disease (NTD).
The WHO defines NTD"s in the following way:
Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) are a diverse group of conditions that still affect 1 billion people, mainly vulnerable populations in underserved regions of the world. Nevertheless, they are preventable, treatable and can be eliminated. (https://www.who.int/news/item/04-06-2025-neglected-tropical-diseases-further-neglected-due-to-oda-cuts#:~:text=Neglected%20tropical%20diseases%20(NTDs)%20are,impact%20lives%20of%20vulnerable%20communities.)"
Jigger treatment is thus critical as it addresses a deeply neglected, parasitic condition that thrives in poverty-stricken areas as indicated above, causing severe physical pain, disability, and social stigma. Prompt treatment prevents serious, potentially fatal complications, restores mobility, and breaks the cycle of poverty by enabling children to return to school and adults to work.
Examples of serious complications, most often caused by secondary infections, are bacteremia, tetanus, lymphangitis, gas gangrene and neurological lasting disability.
Jigger, or tungiasis, like other NTD's as stated by the WHO is treatable, preventable and infections could be eliminated for human hosts. However it is costly, and as the word neglected indicates, the resources are not being spent on Jigger. Therefore the available budget has to be used mostly on the less costly preventative methods and education.
The WABO organization proposes to promote jigger treatment and prevention through the following preventive methods:
- eliminating uncontrolled disposal of waste in schools and private compounds
- promotion of daily feet washing and regular bathing with soap and water
- facilitating and promoting the use of natural methods to control jiggers such as certain plant extracts (Ocimum oil) as repellants, as it is effective and enviromentally friendly.
- performing treatment of house floors and outdoor resting areas with natural plant solutions
- Original knapsack sprayer — manual sprayer mounted on human back will be used to spray floors and walls
- due to the possibility of secondary infection that can cause serious medical issues, we sterilize the jigger wounds on feet and hands by soaking them in antiseptic solution compounds. Followed by topical application of petroleum jelly
Constant wearing of closed shoes remains the most effective preventive measure, but is costly. Where possible we aim to distribute shoes to those that cannot afford it.
We use the National Policy Guidelines on Prevention and Control of Jigger as a basis of implementing our activities. Furthermore the organization aims to embrace considerable social economic support for jigger-infested households, most of whom are very poor or deprived through support in provision of food stuffs, clothing, shoes slippers, hygiene kits (sanitizers, masks) and offer transport to the most infected to referral health centers on every visit.
WABO endeavors to; foster collaboration among key on issues of jigger prevention, control and eventual elimination. Sensitizes and mobilizes communities on the significance of personal hygiene and other environmentally friendly jigger prevention methods, conducts a comprehensive baseline survey of jigger infested people and households and their characteristics, identifies areas mostly affected in terms of vulnerability to jiggers and aims to set up sustainable measures towards ensuring good hygienic practices and behavior change.
Continuous follow up of patient at homes or schools will be necessary to control the jigger fleas in the living or schooling environment.
The establishment of local hubs for ongoing treatment, education, and support is one of our goals. The organization also aims to advocate for better housing and sanitation facilities to prevent future infestations.