DISEASE SCANNER

Global Incurable Diseases Tracker

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Infectious Disease

Lymphatic Filariasis (Elephantiasis)

HIGH SEVERITY

A neglected tropical disease caused by filarial worms transmitted by mosquitoes. Damages lymphatic system causing abnormal enlargement of body parts. Affects over 120 million people in 72 countries. WHO goal is elimination by 2030.

Global Affected

120.0M

Countries

99

Symptoms

Lymphedema (limb swelling)
Elephantiasis (severe swelling)
Hydrocele (scrotal swelling)
Fever
Chills
Lymph node enlargement
Skin thickening
Skin infections (cellulitis)
Foul-smelling skin
Mobility problems
Social stigma
Disability

Treatment Options

Albendazole + Ivermectin
Albendazole + DEC
Triple therapy (IDA)
Lymphedema management
Hygiene and skin care
Cellulitis treatment
Hydrocelectomy
Physical therapy
Compression bandaging
Elevating affected limbs
Exercise programs
Emotional support

Risk Factors

1Living in endemic areas
2Mosquito bites (Culex, Anopheles, Aedes)
3Poor sanitation
4Standing water
5Poverty
6Outdoor exposure
7Warm, humid climate
8Lack of prevention programs

Diagnostic Methods

  • 1Night blood smear
  • 2Serological tests
  • 3Antigen detection (ICT card)
  • 4Ultrasound (filarial dance sign)
  • 5Clinical examination
  • 6Xenodiagnosis
  • 7Molecular testing (PCR)

Prognosis

Adult worms live 5-7 years, producing millions of larvae. Lymphedema can be managed but not cured. Morbidity management improves quality of life. Mass treatment prevents new infections. Disability can be severe without care. Social and economic impact significant.

Prevention

  • Mass drug administration
  • Mosquito control programs
  • Insecticide-treated bed nets
  • Larval source management
  • Hygiene education
  • Lymphedema management programs
  • Community mobilization
  • Annual preventive chemotherapy

Research Status

Mass drug administration with albendazole plus ivermectin or DEC. Lymphedema management programs. Morbidity management and disability prevention (MMDP). Mosquito control. Triple drug therapy (IDA) now recommended. Elimination programs progressing well.

Affected Countries

IndiaBangladeshPakistanNPLKMMThailandLAKHVietnamPhilippinesMalaysiaIndonesiaPGSBVUFJKITVNRWSTOCKNUASGUMPPWMHFMBNSingaporeChinaTaiwanJapanSouth KoreaKPHaitiDominican RepublicBrazilGYSRGFVenezuelaColombiaEcuadorPeruBOPYArgentinaChileUYEgyptSudanEthiopiaSOKenyaTanzaniaUgandaRWBIDR CongoCGGAGQCMNigeriaBJTGGhanaCILRSLGNGWSenegalGMMaliBFNETDCFAOZambiaMalawiMozambiqueZimbabweBWNASouth AfricaLSSZMGMUYTREKMSCMG

Sources

  • https://www.who.int/health-topics/lymphatic-filariasis
  • https://www.cdc.gov/parasites/lymphaticfilariasis
  • https://www.hematology.org/education/patients
  • https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books
  • https://rarediseases.org/rare-diseases

Medical Disclaimer

This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult healthcare professionals for medical advice, diagnosis, and treatment.