Where is elephantiasis prevalent

Aedes and Mansonia can transmit the infection in the Pacific and in Asia. Many mosquito bites over several months to years are needed to get lymphatic filariasis. People living for a long time in tropical or sub-tropical areas where the disease is common are at the greatest risk for infection. Short-term tourists have a very low risk. Programs to eliminate lymphatic filariasis are under way in more than 66 countries. These programs are reducing transmission of the filarial parasites and decreasing the risk of infection for people living in or visiting these communities.

In the 50 U. The infection disappeared early in the 20 th century. The U. Contact Us. Skip directly to site content Skip directly to page options Skip directly to A-Z link. Most infections are asymptomatic with no external signs or symptoms. However, they damage the lymphatic system and kidneys and alter the immune system.

The painful and highly disfiguring manifestations of the disease lymphedema, elephantiasis, and scrotal inflammation appear later on and can lead to rejection and social stigma, with a subsequent loss of self-esteem and fewer job opportunities for infected individuals, which can negatively impact their economic and social conditions. The disease can be eliminated in the Americas through the simultaneous mass administration of two drugs diethylcarbamazine and albendazole once a year to people living in at-risk areas, over a period of at least five consecutive years.

In areas where the disease is endemic, the recommended preventive measures include the use of screens in windows and doors and mosquito bed nets in homes, as well as the elimination of mosquito breeding sites and application of insecticides in open latrines. Home Fact Sheets Lymphatic filariasis in the Americas.

Lymphatic filariasis in the Americas. This work suggests that the derivation of more accurate estimates of the burden of filariasis will require a better understanding of both the epidemiology and the spatial aspects of infection and disease.

It also suggests that filariasis is preventable based on a geographically targeted strategy for control. Abstract This paper estimates the global burden of lymphatic filariasis based on a review of the published literature on infection and disease surveys.