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Chapter-16 Lymphatic Filariasis: Public Health Problem

BOOK TITLE: Comprehensive Community Health Nursing

Author
1. Correia Cecy
ISBN
9789350251621
DOI
10.5005/jp/books/11346_16
Edition
1/e
Publishing Year
2011
Pages
3
Author Affiliations
1. Cardinal Gracias Memorial Hospital, Sandor, Bangli, Vasai (W), Thane, Maharashtra, India, Uday General School of Nursing, Cardinal Gracias Memorial Hospital, Sandor, Bangli, Vasai (W), Thane, Maharashtra, India, Uday General School of Nursing Cardinal Gracias Memorial Hospital, Sandor, Bangli, Vasai (W), Thane, Maharashtra, India
Chapter keywords

Abstract

It is mosquito born disease caused by Filarial Parasites. It is transmitted by the bite of culex mosquitoes. It is manifested as lymphangitis, lymphadenitis, and elephantiasis of genitals, legs and arms. Though not fatal, the disease is responsible for considerable sufferings, deformities and disability. Filariasis is a global problem. Millions of people are at risk and get infected in the world. China, India, and Indonesia are more prone area. So it has become public health problem. The problem is increasing day by day. There are 8 species of filarial parasites. The adult worms are usually found in the lymphatic system of man, which finds their way into blood circulation via lymphatic. There is a mosquito cycle in stages—larva that penetrates in the stomach wall and in later stage becomes infective. The parasite is small thread —like worm. All ages are susceptible to infection. It is found in infant age less than 6 months old, social factor responsible like urbanization, industrialization, migration of people, illiteracy, poverty and poor sanitation. Climate is important factor to influence the breeding, bad drainage, sewage disposal, lack of town planning, pools, soakage pits, septic tanks, open ditches, burrow pits etc aggravates problem. Infected bite the parasite is deposited site of puncture. It passes through the punctured skin and reaches the lymphatic system. Clinical incubation period is 8 to 16 months or longer. Although their blood is positive they may remain without symptom. In some instances they are hidden/dormant many years. They are an important source of infection in the community. These carriers are usually detected by night blood examination. The recent estimates about 420 million exposed to risk of infection, 19 million manifest diseases, and 25 million are in the blood which does not show symptoms. To control recurrent anti-larval measures and anti-parasitic measures to be taken.

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