Tungiasis is caused by a sand flea that goes into the skin. It leads to pain and itching. This disease mostly affects people in poverty-stricken areas.
The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) released guidelines for treatment. They suggest using dimethicone, which is easy to apply. It helps kill the fleas on the skin. Surgical removal is also an option, but PAHO advises against using sharp objects.
PAHO wants people to learn about this disease and improve healthcare policies.
Difficult words
- flea — A small insect that bites animals.
- treatment — Ways to help make a person better.
- pain — A feeling of hurt or discomfort.
- poverty — The state of being very poor.poverty-stricken
- guidelines — Recommended rules or instructions.
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Why do you think tungiasis mainly affects people in poverty?
- How can healthcare policies help prevent diseases like tungiasis?
- What other treatments do you think could work for tungiasis?
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