Jiggers

Tunga penetrans, also known as the jigger, is a type of flea that is found in warm, dry climates. The female jigger burrows its way into the skin, causing lesions, infections and pain, and feeds on the host's blood. The jigger leaves an opening in the skin and releases over 100 eggs during the next couple of weeks. These eggs fall to the ground through the opening and within the next three to four weeks the eggs hatch and are ready for hosts. Because the jigger lives in the dirt and is not a good jumper, most lesions occur on the feet. (This is also true because most people living in the area of jiggers do not have shoes!) Heavy infestations can be debilitating - causing loss of toenails, loss of toes, tetanus and even death. However, in most cases the jigger causes pain, inability to walk or carry out daily duties, alienation from neighbors, low self esteem and, oh yes, the spreading of HIV/AIDS. The jigger itself does not spread this disease, however, when an infected individual tries to dig the jiggers out with a pin and then that pin is used to dig out jiggers from someone else blood is transferred.
And to think a jigger infestation can be curred with hydrogen peroxide and a pair of shoes. So many people are hurting and the cure seems so simple. Can't we/shouldn't we help them?

photo courtesy google image search