Residents of Kisii County have been advised to report cases of jigger infestation to various community health volunteers for treatment and fumigation of infested households in an effort to eradicate the growing number of cases in the area.

Speaking to the press at Nyatieko site in central Kitutu sub-county, community health volunteer Kefa King’oina said eight cases had been reported and treated this month, adding that one person had been admitted for advanced treatment.

King’oina noted that Kitutu Chache South constituency was the most affected, followed by Kitutu Chache North and Bonchari in the rise of the jigger infestation, saying it was a call for concern from the community.

“Do not use pins to remove jiggers from an affected person as they will be injured and infected with tetanus. We are appealing to residents to let us know if there are any such cases so that we can help people affected,” he advised.

He said the jiggers suck blood from those affected and cause anemia, adding that their fingers swell without fingerprints and they are unable to walk when the jiggers affect their feet.

King’oina added that people with jiggers face various challenges such as stigma due to isolation from the rest of the population to avoid infecting them.

Drusilla Nyanchama, another community health volunteer, said the jigger infestation was mainly caused by dirt and encouraged people to maintain cleanliness to reduce the rate of infestation cases in the area.

“For us to fight jiggers, we urge you to be clean because jiggers thrive in dirty areas. We encourage everyone to report jigger cases so that we can work together to help those affected,” Nyanchama reiterated.

By Kelvin Ogachi