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Tungiasis is an infestation of the skin by the sand flea, Tunga penetrans.
The pregnant female flea burrows under the skin, sucks blood, swells, and releases eggs.
A localized nodule will form at the point of infestation, possibly causing pain and inflammation.
Complications, though rare, may involve ulceration, gangrene, secondary infection, tetanus, and death.
This burrowing flea is endemic to Latin America, the Caribbean, Africa, and India.