Effects, treatment of jiggers
ANAEMIA and dehydration<br>“Particularly in cases of multiple infestations, anaemia is a common outcome,†Bukenya notes. They feed on their host’s blood leading to a loss in haemoglobin, and resulting in anaemia.
ANAEMIA and dehydration
“Particularly in cases of multiple infestations, anaemia is a common outcome,†Bukenya notes. They feed on their host’s blood leading to a loss in haemoglobin, and resulting in anaemia. Furthermore, they cause imbalance in body fluid leading to dehydration.
Exposure to tetanus
When the jiggers embed in places with friction such as the joints or in places where their growth is limited, for example, under the nails, they are likely to burst hence leaving gaping wounds.
“In the village, when this person goes to dig, the wounds will be exposed to dirt so they can easily contract tetanus,†Bukenya explains. What’s more, even when these jiggers are extracted, they still leave open wounds and most villagers cannot afford to dress their wounds, hence exposure to tetanus.
Deformity
“It all starts with a loss of sensation and this leads to necrosis or death of the tissue on the affected area. This may urgently require amputation so the surrounding areas are affected,†Bukenya explains.
Death
In case of multiple infestations, Bukenya notes that death is a possible as a result of acute anaemia and dehydration.
Treatment
Bukenya explains that ideally medical treatment should be sought but since many residents in the rural area may not afford the cost of treatment, it can be done at home.
“Thoroughly clean the affected area with soap and dip the area in warm water for a while. The warm water acts as an anaesthetic later when a sharp instrument is used to extract the jigger.â€
He continues that since members of the family may have to share the instrument, it should be sterilized before it is used on each individual. “Boil the instrument, dry it thoroughly and apply oil onto it.â€
However, the wound should be dressed to avoid exposure to tetanus and more infestation.
Kassim Sajabbi Nyonjo, who participated in the jigger eradication exercise in Bugiri, explains that hydrogen peroxide is one of the most effective disinfectants.
“When hydrogen peroxide is applied to the infected area, it forms froth and immediately, the jiggers burst out of the skin, leaving a gaping wound behind. It should be dressed to prevent other infections such as tetanus,†Nyonjo explains.
Bukenya explains that for any amount of hydrogen peroxide, an equal amount of water should be mixed or because the liquid is corrosive.
However, Nyonjo adds, hydrogen peroxide is only an immediate relief but the patients will definitely suffer the jiggers again if they do not observe hygiene.
Other commercial disinfectants like dettol and savlon can be used to treat jiggers. A victim should soak their feet for about 15 minutes in a mixture of disinfectant and water everyday for about two weeks and this will completely kill the parasited.
For complete eradication, homes should be thoroughly fumigated and any animals that have fleas treated.
To ensure the home is bug-free, the victim and the rest of the family must be educated on the need to observe hygiene and ensure the bugs do not find a home in their homes again.
How to control the spread of jiggers
The prime preventive measure of the jigger is observing cleanliness. Wearing of shoes should also be encouraged to ensure that the flea does not find entry into ones feet.
In infested areas, people should check their feet daily for freshly burrowing jiggers, which are visible as minute black spots and cause an itchy sensation.
If already infected and can not afford to buy medicine, one is advised to step in fresh cow dung as the moistures in it are poisonous to jiggers.
Keep the area where you live free of dust by sprinkling water on the dusty parts
The fleas may also be deterred by a repellant applied to the skin, although walking barefoot in dirt quickly removes it. If it is possible to locate the area of soil where jiggers originate, it could be burnt off or sprayed with a suitable insecticide in an effort to kill the fleas.
Sensitise people about the exact causes and spread of jiggers.
Do not share shelter with animals
Wear sandals
House floors should not be made with animal wastes
Bathe carefully with soap
“Particularly in cases of multiple infestations, anaemia is a common outcome,†Bukenya notes. They feed on their host’s blood leading to a loss in haemoglobin, and resulting in anaemia. Furthermore, they cause imbalance in body fluid leading to dehydration.
Exposure to tetanus
When the jiggers embed in places with friction such as the joints or in places where their growth is limited, for example, under the nails, they are likely to burst hence leaving gaping wounds.
“In the village, when this person goes to dig, the wounds will be exposed to dirt so they can easily contract tetanus,†Bukenya explains. What’s more, even when these jiggers are extracted, they still leave open wounds and most villagers cannot afford to dress their wounds, hence exposure to tetanus.
Deformity
“It all starts with a loss of sensation and this leads to necrosis or death of the tissue on the affected area. This may urgently require amputation so the surrounding areas are affected,†Bukenya explains.
Death
In case of multiple infestations, Bukenya notes that death is a possible as a result of acute anaemia and dehydration.
Treatment
Bukenya explains that ideally medical treatment should be sought but since many residents in the rural area may not afford the cost of treatment, it can be done at home.
“Thoroughly clean the affected area with soap and dip the area in warm water for a while. The warm water acts as an anaesthetic later when a sharp instrument is used to extract the jigger.â€
He continues that since members of the family may have to share the instrument, it should be sterilized before it is used on each individual. “Boil the instrument, dry it thoroughly and apply oil onto it.â€
However, the wound should be dressed to avoid exposure to tetanus and more infestation.
Kassim Sajabbi Nyonjo, who participated in the jigger eradication exercise in Bugiri, explains that hydrogen peroxide is one of the most effective disinfectants.
“When hydrogen peroxide is applied to the infected area, it forms froth and immediately, the jiggers burst out of the skin, leaving a gaping wound behind. It should be dressed to prevent other infections such as tetanus,†Nyonjo explains.
Bukenya explains that for any amount of hydrogen peroxide, an equal amount of water should be mixed or because the liquid is corrosive.
However, Nyonjo adds, hydrogen peroxide is only an immediate relief but the patients will definitely suffer the jiggers again if they do not observe hygiene.
Other commercial disinfectants like dettol and savlon can be used to treat jiggers. A victim should soak their feet for about 15 minutes in a mixture of disinfectant and water everyday for about two weeks and this will completely kill the parasited.
For complete eradication, homes should be thoroughly fumigated and any animals that have fleas treated.
To ensure the home is bug-free, the victim and the rest of the family must be educated on the need to observe hygiene and ensure the bugs do not find a home in their homes again.
How to control the spread of jiggers
The prime preventive measure of the jigger is observing cleanliness. Wearing of shoes should also be encouraged to ensure that the flea does not find entry into ones feet.
In infested areas, people should check their feet daily for freshly burrowing jiggers, which are visible as minute black spots and cause an itchy sensation.
If already infected and can not afford to buy medicine, one is advised to step in fresh cow dung as the moistures in it are poisonous to jiggers.
Keep the area where you live free of dust by sprinkling water on the dusty parts
The fleas may also be deterred by a repellant applied to the skin, although walking barefoot in dirt quickly removes it. If it is possible to locate the area of soil where jiggers originate, it could be burnt off or sprayed with a suitable insecticide in an effort to kill the fleas.
Sensitise people about the exact causes and spread of jiggers.
Do not share shelter with animals
Wear sandals
House floors should not be made with animal wastes
Bathe carefully with soap