Prevalence and associated factors of Tunga penetrans infestation among 5-14-year-olds in rural Ethiopia

BACKGROUND: Tunga penetrans, also known as sand flea, causes Tungiasis in humans and animals. Despite its notoriety as an entomological problem, however, the ectoparasite receives little consideration from public health professionals. It is against this background that this article aims to assess the prevalence of and factors associated with Tunga penetrans infestation among 5-14-year-olds in rural Western Ethiopia. METHODS: From November to December 2020, 487 children aged 5 to 14 were selected from four primary schools in a cross-sectional study using systematic random sampling. Clinical exams, Interviews with parents/guardians and observations of the housing and classroom environments were used to collect data. Descriptive statistics and multivariable regression were used to characterize the data and identify factors associated with Tunga penetrans infestation. RESULT: Tunga penetrans infestation (Tungiasis) was diagnosed in 138 of the 487 children examined, placing the prevalence at 28.3% (95% CI: 24.2%, 32.2%). Mud plastered walls [AOR: 5.83, % CI (3.44–9.88)], having cats in the house [AOR: 5.91, 95% CI (3.51–10.11)], not having separated sleeping quarters for animals [AOR: 4.60, 95% CI (2.69–7.86)], using self-supplied water [AOR: 6.30, 95% CI (3.33–11.93)], walking>30 minutes to school [AOR: 2.37, 95% CI (1.48–3.80)] were associated with Tungiasis. CONCLUSION: In one way or another, several of the identified factors were linked to poverty. Improved house wall materials, fumigation of mud-plastered houses, dusting or spraying insecticides on domestic animals (such as cats), improved access to water, community education about keeping animals separated from living spaces, and hygiene promotion are all needed, with a focus on locally available, low-cost technologies that the poorest families can afford.