what is a jigger bug

A jigger is a small parasitic flea that burrows into the skin of a warm-blooded host before laying eggs. The scientific name for the jigger is Tunga penetrans, and it is also known as the jigger flea, chigoe, nigua, sand flea, or burrowing flea. The adult female jigger burrows into the skin, usually of the foot, and as her abdomen fills with blood and eggs, a bump forms underneath the skin, which is often painful and itchy and makes walking incredibly difficult. Jiggers are native to Central and South America, and have been introduced by colonialists to sub-Saharan Africa. They are found in most tropical and sub-tropical climates and can infest a variety of mammals, including humans. If left untreated, jiggers can lead to deadly secondary infections or even amputation.