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Lymphatic Filariasis
Context:
The Union Minister of State for Health & Family Welfare virtually inaugurated the second phase of the Bi-annual Nationwide Mass Drug Administration (MDA) campaign on August 10, 2024.
More on News:
This campaign aims to target 63 endemic districts across Bihar, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Odisha, Telangana, and Uttar Pradesh, marking a crucial advancement in India’s efforts to eliminate the disease before the global deadline.
About Lymphatic Filariasis:
- Common Name: Elephantiasis
- It is a neglected tropical disease caused by filarial parasites transmitted through mosquitoes.
- The disease primarily affects the lymphatic system, leading to severe symptoms later in life.
- Parasites: Wuchereria bancrofti (90% of cases), Brugia malayi (most of the remaining cases), and Brugia timori.
- Symptoms: It includes lymphoedema (swelling of tissues), elephantiasis (thickening of skin and tissues), and hydrocele (swelling of the scrotum).
- Transmission: Adult worms live in lymphatic vessels, producing microfilariae that are spread by mosquitoes. Different mosquito species (Culex, Anopheles, Aedes) transmit the infection.
- Impact: It causes physical deformities, mental and social distress, and financial hardship due to loss of income and increased medical expenses.
- Prevention and Treatment: While there’s no cure for lymphatic filariasis, early treatment can prevent the disease from progressing to severe stages.
- WHO recommends Mass Drug Administration (MDA) to reduce microfilariae in the bloodstream and prevent transmission. Mosquito control: Supplementary strategies include insecticide-treated nets, indoor spraying, and personal protection to reduce transmission.
- Global Threat: Over 882 million people across 44 countries are at risk and require preventive chemotherapy to combat this parasitic infection.
- Elimination Goal: Targeted for elimination as a public health problem by 2030.