Sand Fleas

Just one millimeter in size, the sand flea is a tiny insect, smaller than most other fleas. Its head has an angular shape and its round body narrows near the top. The scientific name for the sand flea is Tunga penetrans, but it is also referred to as chigoe, jigger, chigger, and chique.

Originating from South America and the Caribbean Islands, the sand flea has spread to different parts of the world, including Latin America, Africa, Europe, and even Central Asia. Its main habitat is sandy areas of deserts, beaches, and soil in farmyards.

Sand fleas can affect both humans and animals, and both sexes are blood feeders. The male flea has a shorter life span and dies after mating. The fertilized female flea attaches to a host and continues the life cycle. The flea opens a hole in the skin of the infected host and burrows its head into the deeper layers to feed on blood. The flea increases in size significantly as it fills with blood and starts to produce eggs. It can reach the length of one centimeter, 10 times its original size. After excreting the eggs outside the skin of the host, the female flea dies. The eggs hatch in three to four days and the larvae mature into adult fleas in several weeks.

Initial attachment and penetration through the skin by the flea creates a node on the skin. It can be yellow, white, grayish, or black in colour but has a characteristic brown-black spot in the centre. More serious symptoms arise after the flea increases in size and produces eggs. If left untreated, secondary bacterial infection, tetanus, gangrene and other complications can develop. The sand flea commonly affects the soles of the feet, heels, skin folds around toenails, and the areas between the toes. Other parts of the body can also be at risk if a person sits or lies on the ground and comes into contact with the flea.

The best way to prevent contracting the fleas is to avoid walking with bare feet in infested areas or have any direct skin contact with the area.

If you think you have contracted sand fleas, do not attempt to remove them. See a physician as soon as possible. Proper surgical technique is recommended for the removal of the fleas as the use of unclean equipment can increase the chance of secondary infection. Treatment also includes cleaning of infected areas, use of topical and systemic antibiotics to prevent or treat secondary infection, and the administration of tetanus shots if required.

For more information on how to protect yourself from insect bites and other infection during traveling, talk to your pharmacist and visit the Travel Medicine Program website from Health Canada at www.travelhealth.gc.ca.