An outbreak of Tungiasis in United Nations Peacekeepers deployed in Democratic Republic of Congo

Dr Vishal Sharma; Dr Umesh Kapoor; Dr Alok Gupta; Dr Balbir S Deswal; Dr S Syed

Volume : VI, Issue : VI, June - 2017

An outbreak of Tungiasis in United Nations Peacekeepers deployed in Democratic Republic of Congo

Dr Vishal Sharma, Dr Umesh Kapoor, Dr Alok Gupta, Dr Balbir S Deswal, Dr S Syed

Abstract :

Background: Tungiasis is an uncommon parasitic skin disease which has been included in Neglected Parasitic Diseases (NPDs) by the World Health Organization (WHO). This ectoparasitosis is endemic in Sub–Saharan Africa & Latin America and is caused by sand flea Tunga penetrans (also known as jigger flea). Though usually found in people living in extreme poverty, we came across a sudden outeak of Tungiasis in United Nations (UN) Peacekeepers deployed in Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Methods: This descriptive study comprised of 45 cases of Tungiasis in UN soldiers who presented over a period of ten days from 23 May 2012 to 06 Jun 2012 following deployment in a remote village of DRC. Result: All cases were detected in UN soldiers camped near Buleusa village in North Kivu Province of Eastern DRC during peacekeeping operations. A thorough epidemiological investigation was undertaken by the authors and the region was found to be endemic for Tungiasis. The affected soldiers were successfully treated for Tungiasis with removal of the adult worms, chemical cauterization of infected site with 70% Trichloracetic acid (TCA), oral Ivermectin and Albendazole. Conclusion: All troops being deployed in the region need to be made aware of this condition prior to induction so that preventive measures can be initiated in order to reduce the associated morbidity.