what are jiggers

Jiggers are small parasitic fleas that burrow into the skin of warm-blooded hosts, including humans, before laying eggs. They are also known as tungiasis, chigoe, nigua, and bicho de pé. Jiggers are native to Central and South America and have been introduced to sub-Saharan Africa. The larvae of jiggers live a few centimeters under sand or soil, feeding on organic matter, and are often found inside dwellings with mud floors. The larvae moult to adults about 1mm in size and move to the skin of a variety of mammals, including rats, domestic animals, and humans. Only female jiggers burrow into the skin, and as the females abdomen fills with blood and eggs, a bump forms underneath the skin, which is often painful and itchy and makes walking incredibly difficult. If left untreated, jiggers can lead to deadly secondary infections or even amputation. People suffering from jiggers usually attempt to remove them with safety pins, thorns, or other sharp, and often unsanitary, objects.