A case of severe tungiasis in Nigeria

Abstract

We present a severe case of tungiasis (sand flea disease) in an orphan with mental disease, living in a rural village in Lagos State, Nigeria. More than 1,100 embedded sand fleas were counted, causing severe pathology on the feet and difficulty walking. Lesions also occurred on the hands, elbows, and buttocks. This case shows that tungiasis may cause severe disease in a small proportion of high-risk individuals in endemic communities. Action is needed to reduce severe morbidity caused by this parasitic skin disease in this and other underprivileged communities.