Tunga penetrans

Tunga penetrans (chigoe flea or jigger) is a parasitic arthropod found in most tropical and sub-tropical climates. It is native to Central and South America, and has been inadvertently introduced by humans to sub-Saharan Africa. At 1 mm long, T. penetrans is the smallest known flea. Synonyms for Tunga penetrans include Sarcopsylla penetrans, Pulex penetrates, and many others. An infestation of T. penetrans is called tungiasis.

Description

Breeding females burrow into exposed skin on the feet of mammals and remain there for two weeks while developing eggs, during which time they swell dramatically, sometimes causing intense irritation, a condition called tungiasis. After this point, the skin lesion looks like a 5- to 10-mm blister with a central black dot, which are the flea's exposed hind legs, respiratory spiracles and reproductive organs.

If the flea is left within the skin, dangerous complications can occur including secondary infections, loss of toenails, and toe deformation. These seem to be commonplace especially where heavy infestations combine with unsanitary conditions and poverty.