Tungiasis: Imported Disease

Tungiasis in recently arrived African refugees

“…To the Editor: Infestation with the sandflea Tunga penetrans , or “chigoe flea”, is rarely encountered in Australia, but has been noted in children recently arrived from Central–East Africa. There have been only two previous Australian case reports of this parasitic infection, both in adult travellers returning from Africa 1 , 2 …”

“…After hatching, the larvae thrive in dust, soil and sand; they are found on beaches and in animal stockyards of tropical countries 3 , 4 . Infection of pigs and other livestock, the usual host reservoirs, has led to significant problems in the livestock industry 1 , 4 …”

“…Apart from pruritis and pain caused by local inflammation, morbidity results from ulceration and secondary bacterial infection, including tetanus and gas gangrene 1 , 2 , 4 …”

Tungiasis in Australia: an exotic disease threat

“…The first case involved a man returning to Perth from Africa in 1980. 3 The condition caused by T. penetrans is known as tungiasis, tungosis or chiggerosis, and the sandflea is sometimes referred to as the "human chigoe" or "jigger flea". After insemination by the male, the 1 mm female flea attaches itself to a host and penetrates the skin.…”