Ugandan MPs seek jigger arrests

Ugandan MPs have called for the arrest of people infected with jigger-fleas.

The MPs said those infected were flouting the public health laws but the call has been criticised by Ugandans.

"We are going to arrest people with jiggers for failing to take care of their bodies as per the Public Health Act," MP Aggrey Bagiire said.

Jiggers, also known as Tungiasis, is caused by the chigoe or sand flea, which burrows into the skin. The most common area of infestation is the feet.

Last week, a family of five suffering from jigger infection was admitted to hospital in Jinja District.

John Kapere, 60, and his four children, could hardly walk as jiggers had infected their legs and other parts of their bodies.

The BBC's Robert Ilukoli in Jinja says the Busoga region in western Uganda has a high rate of jigger infestation.

"It is total negligence for any sane Ugandan to suffer from jiggers," Mr Bagiire said.

But the MPs' suggestion has been criticized - members of the public say those infected with jiggers are often poor and need medical assistance.

Painful

"The problem started in March, and deteriorated slowly. I tried to remove the fleas and use medicine but it only got worse and I had to seek assistance," Mr Kapere said.

He said that his children had been suffering as the infections are very painful.

"I was afraid that my children would die and so I decided to bring them to hospital," he said.

Juma Tola, a medical officer at Kakira Health Centre, said that the family's health has improved since they came in for treatment.

"When they arrived, they were in a very bad condition. They had very many jiggers. They could not walk and had to crawl," Dr Tola said.

Jiggers have to be physically removed using forceps or needles or surgery.