Lymphatic Filariasis : Bangladesh Becomes Second Country To Eliminate
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), Lao People’s Democratic Republic becomes second country in 2023 after Bangladesh to eliminate lymphatic filariasis.
- Lymphatic Filariasis commonly known as elephantiasis, and it is a neglected tropical disease.
- Infection occurs when filarial parasites are transmitted to humans through mosquitoes.
- This impairs the lymphatic system and can lead to the abnormal enlargement of body parts, causing pain, severe disability, and social stigma.
- It’s caused by infection with parasites classified as nematodes (roundworms) of the family Filariodidea. There are three types of these thread-like filarial worms:
- Wuchereria bancrofti, which is responsible for 90% of the cases.
- Brugia malayi, which causes most of the remainder of the cases.
- Brugia timori, which also causes the disease.
- Symptoms: About two in every three people who have lymphatic filariasis don’t have severe symptoms, but filariasis usually leads to a weakened immune system. Some people may experience inflammation, Lymphedema, Hydrocele and Edema.
- Treatment: The World Health Organisation recommended preventive chemotherapy strategy for lymphatic filariasis elimination is mass drug administration (MDA).
