Prevalence, clinical profile and determinants of tungiasis among schoolchildren in Dschang Health District, Cameroon

Background Tungiasis, a skin infestation caused by the flea Tunga penetrans, affects resource limited tropical communities of Latin America, the Caribbeans and sub-Saharan Africa. Recently considered by the WHO as a Neglected Tropical Diseases, epidemiological data to inform control strategy is lacking in Cameroon. Methods A cross-sectional study targeting schoolchildren from eight primary schools selected by stratified random sampling method was conducted from November 2024 to July 2025 in Dschang Health District, west Cameroon. Data was collected to assess the prevalence of tungiasis infestation, its associated factors, and related morbidity, while observing all necessary ethical requirements. Results Some 407 schoolchildren with a median age of 11 (7-16) years, participated in the study of whom 54.8% were males, 84.0% attended government primary schools, and 81.8% cohabited with domestic animals. Fifty-one of the schoolchildren were infested with tungiasis for an overall prevalence of 12.5% (95% CI: 9.5-15.9). Lesions were located mainly on toes (92.2%) hands (31.4%) and heels (27.%%), and morbidity included pains (72.5%), itching (66.7%), sleep disturbance (72.5%, lack of concentration (49.0%), deformation of toes (15.7%) and difficulties in walking (13.7%). Cohabitation with domestic animals (OR=5.15 (95%CI: 1.09-24.29), p=0.039) especially pigs(OR=2.34 (95%CI:1.13-4.82), p=0.022); being a pupil of class 5 (OR=22.11 (95% CI:4.73-103.36), p<001) or class 6 (OR=7.70 (95% CI: 1.97-30.11), p=0.003) were independently associated with tungiasis infestations. Conclusion This study reveals a substantial burden of tungiasis among schoolchildren in Dschang and associated with modifiable risk factors involving both the environment and individual behavioral factors. We recommend the implementation of integrated control strategies combining animal reservoir control, hygiene education, and adoption of WHO recommended tungiasis treatment practices. More research is needed to understand the wider spectrum of tungiasis in Cameroon.