There is no preventative medication for jigger infestations. Once bitten, the risk of infection can be minimized by removing the flea with a sterile needle, followed by treatment of the wound.
Oftentimes, communities that don’t have access to healthcare will try to remove the jigger on their own using unsanitary objects, such as a sewing needle or knife, increasing the risk of infection or the spread of HIV.
Education is needed to help communities understand what jiggers are, how to avoid them and ways to prevent infection. There are organizations out there, such as Ahadi Kenya Trust, who work to increase understanding in areas affected by jiggers.
One method of reducing chances of jigger infestations is to cover areas of the body that are commonly exposed, including the feet.
HOW TO HELP WITH THE SHOE THAT GROWS
The Shoe That Grows keeps children’s soles protected from jiggers for several years as their feet grow five sizes. By joining The Sole and donating each month, you can provide shoes to children around the world who may be impacted by jiggers.
Resources
“What is a jigger?” Kinship United. https://kinshipunited.org/what-is-a-jigger/.
Bernard Kimani, Josephat Nyagero, and Lawrence Ikamari. “Knowledge, attitude and practices on jigger infestation among household members aged 18 to 60 years: case study of a rural location in Kenya.” The Pan African Medical Journal. 2012; 13(suppl 1): 7.
“What are jiggers?” Sole Hope. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3589250/.
“Jiggers.” The American Osteopathic College of Dermatology. https://www.aocd.org/page/Jiggers.
:Tungiasis [Tunga Penetrans].” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Web. 19 Oct. 2015. https://www.cdc.gov/dpdx/tungiasis/
