An outbreak of
Tunga Penetrans
(Jigger Flea) infestation affecting a
number of villages near to a Central Hospital in Malawi is described. Due to
the large number of affected individuals, high parasitic load, and extended
duration of infection an alternative to the recommended approach of
surgical removal of the flea was required. Benzyl benzoate paint and liquid
paraffin had been used in local Primary Healthcare settings previously
and topical treatment with antiparasitic agents has been advocated in the
literature, particularly for severe infestation. Benzyl benzoate and liquid
paraffin were applied topically to four adults with numerous jigger flea
burrows, and their progress assessed regularly. After completion of 7
days of treatment patients noted that fleas were dislodging spontaneously,
and that embedded parasites had not increased in size to the same extent
that untreated fleas had in previous infestations. Following confirmation
of the viability of its implementation in a resource-poor setting, this
treatment regimen has subsequently been adopted by the local branch
of the District Health Office for distribution to infected communities.
