Warning: A Tiny Bug with Painful Consequences

Holidaymakers are being cautioned about a minuscule bug known as jiggers, which can inflict painful bites that are initially invisible to the naked eye. Jiggers, also called chigoe or sand fleas, primarily target the feet and ankles, leaving behind a trail of itchy bites. Although these pests are not commonly encountered, they are found in specific regions of the world.

Jiggers are tiny fleas that inhabit sandy areas such as beaches, stables, and farms. They are extremely difficult to detect without magnification and are limited to certain parts of the globe. The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control reports their presence in Central and South America, Africa, the Indian sub-continent, and possibly in Mexico and the Caribbean.

The bites of jiggers often appear as a cluster of red dots on the skin. Due to their small size, it is unlikely that you will realize you are being bitten at the moment it happens. What makes these bites particularly troublesome is that female fleas burrow into the skin around the ankles and feet. Males briefly meet them for reproduction, a process called tungiasis. After mating, the female fleas deposit their eggs on the ground, eventually dying and falling out of the foot after about two weeks. As they burrow under the skin, the fleas form white, disc-like shapes with a black point at the center.

Over time, the skin lesion created by the jigger turns black and can cause pain, swelling, inflammation, and itching. Furthermore, the breach in the skin made by the female jigger can leave you susceptible to bacterial infections, which may lead to tetanus or gangrene in severe cases.

If you are bitten by jiggers, it is important to have the fleas removed from your skin in a sterile manner and cover the area with a dressing. Additionally, you should receive a tetanus shot if your immunization is not up to date, along with medications to treat the bite.

The best defense against jigger bites (or any other insect bites, for that matter) is to apply insect repellent. It is recommended to choose a bug spray that contains DEET for optimal protection.

Sources:

– European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control

– Professor Nancy Hinkle, University of Georgia’s Department of Entomology

– Very Well Health

– Health