Tungiasis in a Boarding School Adolescent: A Case Report and School Health Response in Makurdi, Nigeria.

Abstract

Background: Tungiasis is a parasitic skin infestation caused by Tunga penetrans. Though self-limiting, it is painful, disfiguring, and may result in complications such as bacterial infection, cellulitis, or tetanus. It mostly affects school-aged children, especially those in resource-poor settings. Addressing tungiasis through prevention, early detection, and appropriate treatment is therefore needed to reduce morbidity, prevent avoidable complications, and improve health and well-being.
Case Presentation: A 15-year-old boarding student presented with recurrent tungiasis affecting the plantar surface of his right foot. He had a previous history of having walked on barefoot and the presence of dusty hostel floors in his boarding school. Examination showed he had six burrows on the plantar surface of his right foot. Non-surgical management with topical potassium permanganate and loratadine provided symptomatic relief. A school-health intervention was done at his boarding school, where other students were screened, and those who had similar lesions were treated. The staff and students were given health education, and environmental changes were recommended.
Discussion: This case illustrates tungiasis in Nigerian adolescents and highlights risk factors such as dusty hostel floor and barefoot exposure. It also emphasises the role of integrated individual treatment and community-level interventions, including school health programs and environmental sanitation.

Conclusion: Tungiasis is a neglected but poorly recognised and under-reported tropical disease in Nigeria. Effective prevention requires coordinated clinical management, health education, footwear promotion, and structural improvements in the environments.