LYMPHATIC FILARIASIS (ELEPHANTIASIS)

NEWS: The Union Health Minister launched the Annual Nationwide Mass Drug Administration (MDA) Campaign for the elimination of Lymphatic Filariasis

Lymphatic Filariasis

• A vector-borne parasitic disease that affects the lymphatic system and can lead to severe swelling of body parts.
• A Neglected Tropical Disease (NTD)
• Caused by parasitic roundworms (nematodes) of family Filarioidea
• Transmitted by female Culex mosquito
• Mosquito-borne parasitic disease (similar to malaria & dengue in vector aspect but different pathogen)
• Symptoms: Majority of infected people show no symptoms,Lymphoedema – swelling of limbs

Treatment & Elimination Strategy

• Preventive Chemotherapy: Elimination is possible by stopping transmission, not just treating symptoms.
• Annual Mass Drug Administration (MDA)
• Medicines given to entire at-risk population (even if asymptomatic)