India has made significant progress in combating lymphatic filariasis in the last few years. Recently, the National Center for Vector Borne Disease Control (NCVBDC) launched a Mass Drug Administration (MDA) campaign targeting 63 districts of 6 states to combat the disease. The target was to surpass the 82.5% coverage rate achieved in the year 2023.
Filaria is an infectious disease, spread by mosquito bites. Due to this, fluid retention can occur i.e. fluid can accumulate in any part of the body. In many cases it can even result in disfigurement or disability.
The affected limb becomes swollen and heavy due to this disease. This usually results in the size of the foot becoming heavier. This is the reason why it is also called elephant disease. Commonly people call it Filariasis. Currently 74 crore people in India are at risk of filariasis.
That's why today' Health waterIn ' we will talk about filariasis. You will also learn that-
- What are the symptoms of filariasis?
- How is this disease spread?
- What are its treatment and prevention measures?
3.1 crore people in India have filariasis According to a report published in the 'Indian Journal of Public Health', about 74 crore people in India are at risk of filariasis, while 3.1 crore people are infected with it. About 2.3 crore of them are symptomatic, meaning their body is showing symptoms. There are a large number of people who are infected with filariasis but do not show any symptoms in their body. However, his lymphatic system and kidneys are getting damaged.
Why are the hands and feet enlarged when there is filariasis?
- Lymphatic system is an important system of our body.
- It removes excess water from the cells and returns it to the bloodstream.
- It makes a type of white blood cell, which protects us from diseases by fighting germs.
- It absorbs fat-soluble vitamins and proteins from the digestive tract and sends them into the bloodstream.
- It transports waste products from our blood. Kidneys remove it through urine.
- The lymphatic system helps control blood pressure.
Immunity begins to weaken due to malfunction of this system. The tissues begin to fill with water. This increases the risk of infection and allergies, and the infected organs begin to enlarge due to swelling.
What are the symptoms of filariasis? Dr. Pankaj Verma, Senior Consultant, Department of Internal Medicine, Narayana Hospital, Gurugram, says that in most cases of filariasis, there are no symptoms. This means that most people are asymptomatic.
Some people infected with it show mild symptoms, while 1 in every 3 people have severe symptoms. In this the arms, legs or face become so heavy that it takes the form of disability.
What are its features, see in the graphic.
Which organs are affected by filariasis? According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, filariasis affects many organs. It has a bad effect on the kidneys. Apart from this, hands, feet and skin are also affected. This also affects our immune system.
Dr. Pankaj Verma says that the main cause of filariasis is parasite. This gradually damages our lymphatic system. First it affects the internal organs. That is why nothing is known in the beginning. When the infection becomes too much, its effects begin to appear in the external organs of the body as well.
See the graphic below to see what kind of changes this causes in which organs.
What are the complications of filariasis? The biggest problem with this disease is that our immune system becomes weak. The body is unable to fight minor allergies and bacterial infections. Every small and big illness starts to affect you.
In addition, inflammation caused by the accumulation of fluid in the tissues is also a major problem.
Filariasis is caused by a parasitic worm. These worms reach the lymphatic system very slowly through the bloodstream. There an adult parasitic worm lives up to 7 years. It produces millions of parasites during this period. Their number increases very rapidly. So it becomes difficult to treat.
What is the treatment for filariasis? Dr. Pankaj Verma says that in case of filariasis infection, it is more or less easy to treat in the early days. Its symptoms can be prevented from becoming severe, but over time it becomes difficult to treat. The problem is also that its symptoms are not visible in the early days. So it becomes a lifelong disease.
Albendazole, DEC and Ivermectin drugs are given in its treatment.
Be careful if you have filariasis Dr. Pankaj Verma says that if one has filariasis, he should make some changes in his lifestyle to avoid bacterial infections and allergies and make life easier.
What are the ways to prevent filariasis? The best way to prevent filariasis is to avoid mosquito bites. Since the risk of filariasis is very high in India, we need to take special precautions.
Image Credit: (Divya-Bhaskar): Images/graphics belong to (Divya-Bhaskar).
