WARNING GRAPHIC!!!! In the poorest parts of Africa people are infected with a flea that becomes

[Maraya1969]

a worm that burrows down into their skin and eats the tissue of the feet and hands.

I have never seen such suffering of a group of people. I have posted a video that shows them digging out these jiggers. The poor man has actual holes in his feet and has lost tissue and toenails.

I am writing about this because there is a website where you can donate money to their cause. I read the comments and the doctor in charge is asking people to help.

I know there are so many good people here at DU and there has to be some donations from here.

Here is the website that explains what they are doing and where you can donate if you want.


http://www.killthejigger.org/

And here is a video of them digging out the jiggers on one man's feet.

[JI7]

1. is this guinea worm or something different ?

jimmy carter has been working to get rid of guinea worm

[Maraya1969]

2. Here is a description from the anti-jigger site

Jiggers are small sand fleas that are found in Sub Saharan climates, and are most prominent during the dry season. The jiggers are parasitic burrowers and are also known as Chigoe fleas or Tunga penetrans if you prefer the Scientific name.

The parasite lives in soil and sand but feeds on warm-blooded hosts, i.e. animals and humans. In humans, the parasites may burrow in the hands or feet.


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[muriel_volestrangler]

3. Not actually a worm; the fleas stay with their rear at the surface

and consume blood, to produce eggs. This produces an abscess, which can also get secondary infections.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chigoe_flea