Jigger infestation among rural residents poses a public health challenge despite development strides achieved in the country.
At Bomwari village Tabaka ward in South Mugirango in Kisii county pockets of residents still suffer from the fleas invasion associated with runaway unhygienic conditions in households and human bodies.
Simba Arati Foundation, representatives, community health volunteers, and public health officers conducted a disinfecting exercise and found shocking revelations.
Polycarp Omari denied the notion that the jigger infestation was a result of poverty, or witchcraft but a phenomenon that could be avoided by strictly observing the highest cleanliness standards.
He said the Foundation was committed to tackling the menace and fighting the stigma associated with it by members of the community towards the affected.
A public health officer, at Kisii Teaching and Referral Hospital Benard Matoke, warned heavy invasion of the jiggers can lead to nerve damage on the head and even ground the affected.
He recommended disinfecting of houses with hot water and cleaning of beddings and clothes to fight off the fleas.
Victims of the infestations ,Ruth Nyambeki and Kefa Okeyo narrated the grim ordeal they had undergone before they were rescued.
The suffering included inadequate food due to inability to till land, difficulties in walking and general body aches.
BY MUSA MARANGA