THE LIFE HISTORY AND CONTROL OF FLEAS 373 



Verjbitski, D. T., 1908. — The part played by insects in the epidemiology 



of plague. Journ. Hyg., vol. 8, p. 162. 

 Waterston, J., 1916. — Fleas as a menace to man and domestic animals, 



their life history, habits, and control. British Museum (Natural 



History) Economic Series No. 3, 20 pp. 



NOTES ON THE CHIGOE, DERMATOPHILUS PENETKANS 



W. Dwight Pierce 



Mr. Bishopp has mentioned the chigoe in his lecture, but I believe 

 this exceedingly interesting flea is deserving of a more extended state- 

 ment. In South and Central America it is also known as La Nigua. 

 It breeds in the flesh of man and animals, attacking the pig, cow, goat, 

 sheep, horse, dog, cat, lion, and gorilla and probably other vertebrates. 



When the female is impregnated she attaches herself to the skin, bores 

 in and remains stationary. When the eggs are mature they are either 

 passed out while the female is fixed to the skin, or the flea may become 

 detached. The female while attached swells to a great size. The larvae 

 breed in dirt and pupate in a cocoon. The favorite points of attack are 

 on the heels, balls of foot, palm of hand, and between the fingers, although 

 they attack other parts of the body. 



The attack is very painful, and in severe cases may result in ainhum, 

 the loss of a member, especially a toe. Brumpt says this flea frequently 

 inoculates the germs of tetanus. Bacillus tetcmi. This belief is also held 

 by Quiros, who notes the large number of cases of tetanus following nigua 

 attack. 



In cases of heavy infestations Quiros uses a pomade composed as 

 follows : 



Salicylic acid 2.5 grams. 



Ictiol (ichthyol) 10.0 " 



Yellow vaseline 10.0 " 



In a few days the infested area encrusts and falls off', leaving the skin 

 free from parasites. 



In cases which might lead to amputation Quiros bathes in petroleum. 

 He advises against the use of iodine, which is dangerous in these cases. 



Prevention of breeding, restriction of hogs from wandering around 

 habitations, wearing of shoes, and cleanliness are prophylatic measures. 



