External Body parasites- Grade 5

Include parasites such as fleas, jiggers and mites that live on the outer surface of the body especially the skin.

Soil transmitted diseases.

a. Lice

• Lice are tiny parasitic insects that live in the clothing and bedding of an infected person. Lice travels to the skin of the infected person several times a day to feed on blood.

  
  

• The most common places for bites are around the neck, shoulders, armpits, waist and groin. These are places where clothing seams are most likely to touch the skin.

Signs and symptoms of lice

1. Intense itching

2. Rash caused by an allergic reaction to body lice bites

3. Red bumps on the skin

4. Thickened or darkened skin, usually near the waist or groin on the bed.

5. Itching of the head or scalp caused by lice found on the head.

6. Tiny red sores from scratching the scalp caused by lice found on the head.

Prevention and management of Lice

1. Improve personal hygiene and regular changing into clean, washed clothing.

2. All clothing, bed linens and towels used by the infected person should be washed with hot water and then dried.

3. Medicines that kill lices may be used to get rid of body lice.

4. Head lice treatment requires thorough combing of the hair to remove lice eggs.

5. Avoid sharing brushes or combs.

6. Shave hair.

Scabies

It's a skin disease caused by a mite. The mite causes an itchy, red rash to form on the skin. The mite can be transmitted through infected clothing or bedding.

Signs and symptoms of scabies

1. Severe and intense itching that gets worse at night

2. Continuous scratching of the infected area

3. Rashes and blisters on the skin

4. Sores in areas where a person has scratched the skin.

Prevention and management of scabies

1. Wash or dry-clean all clothes, towels and bed linens. When washing, use hot, soapy water. Dry the washed clothes.

2. Clean and vacuum carpets and rugs

3. Treat scabies with medication.

Jiggers

A jigger is a small, pinhead-sized parasitic insect. Jigger larvae live in the soil and feed on organic matter. Jiggers usually attack the feet and toes. Sometimes they attack the hands and fingers.

Signs and symptoms of jiggers

1. The affected part itches

2. The infected person feels a lot of pain in their feet, making it difficult to walk.

3. The parasite may cause ulcers on the feet.

4. The feet of the infected person may swell ➔ The toenails of the infected person may fall off

5. The parasite can cause deformed toes and fingers.

   
   

   Prevention and management of jiggers.

   Observe general cleanliness

   Smear the floor and walls of mud houses with cod dung.

   Avoid close and frequent interaction with animals that host the fleas, for example dogs.

   Wear shoes whenever possible.

   Use antiseptics and petroleum jelly to treat jiggers.

   Use gloves when treating jiggers and the wash your hands when done