This Insect Is Trouble- Help State Health Eradicate Filaria

 

The World Health Organisation (WHO) website pointed to an alarming global baseline estimate of people affected by lymphatic filariasis. It states that 25 million men suffer from hydrocele and over 15 million with Lymphoedema…

Switching back to India, a recent report of the Maharashtra state health department indicated that the state was working towards the national health mission of eradicating Lymphatic Filariasis by the year. 2020.

The report however revealed that from January to June 2018, Maharashtra reported 877 cases of microfilaria, which is 155 cases over 2017.

Filariasis is commonly known as Elephantiasis and ‘Hathipaon’ and is spread through mosquito bites. Filariasis causes swelling usually from the knee to toe in a downward direction and in some cases, Hydrocele ( swelling of the scrotum), causing disfigurement and disability

Pune 365 spoke to experts, citizens and doctors to get their view on prevention and management of lymphatic filariasis with respect to Pune and rest of Maharashtra.

A city-based doctor speaking to Pune365 said ” Blood feeding by black flies and mosquitoes leads to the spread of Lymphatic filariasis.

This causes blockage in the lymphatic system which leads to swelling in the legs and other parts of the body. When the carrier mosquito bites humans, they get infection with Lymphatic Filariasis.

40% of the world’s elephantiasis cases are from India and yet, there are thousands of people who are not even aware of the disease and precautions to be taken.

For effective control, the civic authorities need to act proactively on curbing mosquito breeding since 70% of the spread occurs due to mosquito bites. As of now, the cases of Filariasis are not too many in Pune, but this can rise. If this were to happen in America then there would be a need for companies such as Mosquito Authority of Savannah to help out and protect families, business, etc. from looming mosquito issues.

Dr Madhav Gokhale, Infectious specialist says, “It is a group of diseases caused by parasites that spread to humans through a mosquito bite. Immediately after a mosquito bite, the parasite enters the human body and travels through the skin to reach the Lymphatic vessels.

The filaria parasites (carried by the culex/ anopheles mosquitoes) are Wuchereria Bancrofti, Brugia Malayi and Brugia Timori with close to 90% spread due to the Wuchereria Bancrofti.

Lymphatic vessels work like a pipeline in the body, carrying the fluids from blood vessels to the tissues and back. Once it enters the lymphatic vessel, the parasite began to grows. causing a blockage in the limbs.

Dr Gokhale further added, “Some common symptoms are pain and fever, while in extreme cases, there may be swelling in limbs. Some patients also develop a dry cough overnight, caused due to an allergic reaction to the worm.

Filariasis is normally treated with a a drug called DEC (Diethylcarbamazine) which is freely available at Government hospitals.

It is advisable to consult a doctor if the patient is exhibiting any of the above symptoms, not only to check for filariasis, but also for other infectious diseases.

The state government should focus on the awareness in rural regions. Several people are are unaware of the early symptoms, and negligence can lead to severe cases of elephantiasis, that is only then curable through surgery.

In response, an official of the PMC said “The team is regularly working on effective measures to prevent the spread of Filariasis.

Constant free health camps and drives are arranged in the city and in the rural areas of Pune District. Additionally, free medication is provided to the citizens at government hospitals and at the camps.

The citizens must also help in building awareness on prevention and work on controlling the mosquito menace in their respective surroundings, he added.

Rajesh Thosar, Pharmacist says, ” It is high time that the health department of the city should start implementing strict measures on curbing the mosquito menace.

There are barely any cases of filaria in Pune and hence it is important to take preventive measures before things go beyond our control.”

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