Lymphatic Filariasis (or elephantiasis) is a painful, disfiguring disease spread through the bite of mosquitoes. It is a parasitic disease caused by microscopic, thread-like worms called nematodes (roundworms).
It causes abnormal enlargement of body parts and can lead to chronic pain and disability.
The disease is prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions, particularly in areas with poor sanitation and inadequate access to healthcare.
Symptoms can disfigure body
Dr. Ajay Khera, MD, Country Representative at Engender Health in New Delhi, India shares that "the visible manifestations of lymphatic filariasis, such as lymphoedema (swollen limbs), and hydrocele (scrotal swelling), are not only painful but also profoundly disfiguring."
"It is a major cause of permanent disability globally, affecting individuals' ability to work and causing social stigma, perpetuating a cycle of poverty and diminished quality of life for those affected," Dr. Khera adds.
Elephantiasis risk in India
"The burden of lymphatic filariasis weighs heavily upon India, accounting for a staggering 40% of all global LF cases. Approximately 740 million people in India are currently at risk of contracting the disease," explains Dr. Khera.
Early intervention is the key
"By detecting and treating infections in their initial stages, before symptoms manifest or progress to irreversible stages, we can prevent further damage and reduce suffering," Dr. Khera explains, adding, "Early interventions also play a crucial role in interrupting the transmission cycle of LF by targeting infected individuals before the parasites can spread to others through mosquito bites."
Strategies to eliminate LF
Dr. AP Dash, Vice Chancellor of the Asian Institute of Public Health (AIPH) in Bhubaneswar, explains that "the key strategy to eliminate LF as a public health problem includes: mass drug administration (MDA), morbidity management & disability prevention, and integrated vector management."
Mass Drug Administration is a key pillar of India’s strategy for elimination of Lymphatic Filariasis. It is aimed not only at distributing but also ensuring consumption of medicines.
Launched in February this year, the nationwide campaign takes a phased approach. After a successful first phase in February, the second phase is set to begin on August 10, encompassing 82 districts and 8 states.
"Everybody in the community, except pregnant women, children below two years of age and persons who are very sick from other illnesses are eligible to take the administered drugs," Dr. Dash explains, adding, "All ages are equally susceptible to getting the infection, hence it is recommended that individuals of all age groups (above the age of two) take the medicines administered as part of the MDA."
Are anti-filarial drugs safe?
The drugs used, including Diethylcarbamazine (DEC), Albendazole, and Ivermectin, have a well-established safety record, having been used globally for the past 50 years, according to Dr. Dash.
Anti-filarial drugs are safe drugs. However, people who look healthy but have a parasite in their blood, may experience some side (therapeutic) effects due to the killing of parasites following drug consumption. One or combination of the following side effects may be experienced by a small proportion of population, especially microfilaria carriers:
Fever Headache Body ache Vomiting Dizziness Rash and itching
"These side effects usually disappear or subside within a day without any medication. The benefits of these drugs in combating the targeted disease far outweigh the minimal side effects that may be experienced by microfilaria carriers," Dr. Dash signs off.
