jigger

Flea found in tropical and subtropical countries. The males of the species are free-living and measure about 1 mm/0.03 in in length. The females, which are slightly bigger, are parasites of humans and other animals.

Jiggers burrow into the skin, particularly the soft skin between the toes, and soon become enveloped within a skin fold. As they feed they become enlarged and distended and their legs degenerate; eventually a stage is reached when only the last two segments at the abdomen protrude from the skin fold. The eggs are then voided and fall on the soil or sand.

Apart from their presence within the host skin, which causes acute pain and the formation of ulcers, the fleas may be responsible for secondary infections. Preventive measures include ridding the host of the parasite, and destroying breeding places.

Classification The jigger Tunga penetrans is in order Siphonaptera, class Insecta, phylum Arthropoda.