what is a jigger parasite

A jigger parasite is a small parasitic flea that burrows into the skin of a warm-blooded host before laying eggs. The flea is also known as Tunga penetrans and tungiasis. The female flea burrows into the skin, usually of the foot, and causes a nodular swelling. The flea does not have any specialized burrowing organs and simply claws into the epidermis after attaching with its mouthparts. After penetrating the stratum corneum, it burrows into the stratum granulosum, with only its posterior ends exposed to the environment. Only female jiggers burrow into the skin. If left untreated, jiggers can lead to deadly secondary infections or even amputation. Jiggers are found in most tropical and sub-tropical climates and are native to Central and South America. They have been introduced to sub-Saharan Africa and are now present in the Caribbean, Central and South America, sub-Saharan Africa, and India, but not in Europe or North America.