The Bungoma county government has rolled out an anti-jiggers programme to stop the spread of the disease and eradicate it.
The jigger menace is spread throughout the county's nine constituencies with Bumula, Sirisia and Kimilili the worst affected.
Jiggers affect all parts of the body and can lead to paralysis in young children.
The infestation is common in older people and schoolgoing children especially in remote areas where classroom floors are smeared with cow dung.
Residents have attributed the spread of the jiggers to poor hygiene, witchcraft and inheritance.
Finding by the county's disaster and special programmes department says the menace has contributed to negative social-economic effects on families.
Governor Wycliffe Wangamati directed that the anti-jigger campaign be rolled out to contain the spread of the disease. Market places, social joints and schools are targeted.
County disaster and special programmes director Caroline Buyela told the Star on Monday that all infested schools and homes will be sprayed during this exercise.
"We will work closely with community health workers to reach out to those affected as we continue to evaluate, monitor and take full control until the jiggers spread is entirely neutralised," Buyela said.
She said children find it hard to concentrate in class due to jiggers leading to poor results. Buyela asked those affected and parents with affected children to come out and be treated.
edited by peter obuya
