High attack rate of Tunga penetrans (Linnaeus 1758) infestation in an impoverished Brazilian community.
Tungiasis (jigger) is endemic in many impoverished communities in many parts of Brazil. Forty-seven individuals entering an endemic area were followed up for a period of six weeks and regularly examined for the presence of newly embedded sand fleas. At the end of the third week, the attack rate of Tunga penetrans infestation had already approached 100%.
Heukelbach
J
J
Department of Community Health, Federal University of Céará State and Mandacaru Foundation, Rua José Vilar de Andrade 257, Fortaleza CE 60833-830, Brazil. samsa@mcanet.com.br
Franck
S
S
Feldmeier
H
H
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000818:Animals; D001938:Brazil / Q000453:epidemiology; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004478:Ectoparasitic Infestations / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000635:transmission*; D019353:Endemic Diseases / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D011204:Poverty Areas; D012307:Risk Factors; D005423:Siphonaptera