chigoe
Chigoe, also known as chigo, jigger, or jigger flea, refers to the parasitic flea Tunga penetrans, which causes tungiasis. The female flea burrows into the outer skin, typically on the feet, and embeds itself while feeding on blood and producing eggs. The embedded flea remains in the skin, while a male flea stays externally and does not cause the same pathology. Eggs are released into the environment as the parasite matures, continuing the life cycle.
Clinical features arise from the site of entry and the inflammatory response. Lesions are usually painful and
Diagnosis is primarily clinical, based on the appearance of the lesion and the presence of an embedded
Prevention focuses on reducing exposure and transmission: wearing closed footwear, improving housing and sanitation, and community-based