Parasitic infections are a significant public health issue across tropical and subtropical parts of the world. A big fear of parasitic infections is filariasis, one of the many neglected tropical diseases caused by thread-like worms that are para-sites, and we know as a debilitating disease that cause great morbidity but can inflict severe physical deformations and life-long disability. Once filariasis has infested the body it can be asymptomatic for many years, which is one of the reasons awareness, prevention and early intervention are crucial to protecting your family from this debilitating disease.
In this blog, we will cover the causes, symptoms, transmission, prevention and treatment of filariasis, to allow you to help act to protect your health and your loved one’s health.
What Is Filariasis?
Filariasis is caused by worms, which are filarial in nature, reached in humans by biting infected mosquitoes. Adult worms live in the lymphatic system and affect how the body reacts to obstructed lymphatic vessels, causing swelling, pain, and other issues. Over time, this may progress into a state of lymphatic filariasis causing various consequences such as lymphedema, elephantiasis (thickening of the skin and tissues), and genital damage.
Wuchereria bancrofti
Brugia malayi
Brugia timori
How Is Filariasis Transmitted?
Transmission occurs through the bite of infected mosquitoes, primarily Culex, Anopheles, and Aedes species. Here’s how the life cycle works:
- An infected mosquito bites a human and injects microscopic larvae (microfilariae).
- These larvae migrate to the lymphatic system, where they develop into adult worms.
- Adult worms produce more microfilariae, which circulate in the bloodstream.
- When another mosquito bites the infected person, it picks up the microfilariae, continuing the transmission cycle.
Symptoms of Filariasis
Filariasis can go without being noticed for years while active. The infection can be categorized as having three stages:
1. Asymptomatic stage
Microfilariae are detected in the blood, without any noticeable signs or symptoms.
Lymphatic system damage is occurring, without any perceived impact.
2. Acute stage
Inflammation of lymph nodes and vessels (lymphangitis)
Fever and chills
Painful swelling of the arms, legs, or genitalia
Skin rash or infection
3. Chronic stage
Lymphedema (chronic swelling)
Elephantiasis (thickening and hardening of skin and tissue)
Hydrocele (which is swelling of the scrotum in men)
Social stigma, and psychological distress.
Who Is at Risk?
Individuals living in, or traveling to disease endemic areas are at the greatest risk. These areas include parts of:
South Asia (India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka)
Southeast Asia (Indonesia, Philippines)
Sub-Saharan Africa
South America
Pacific Islands
Risk factors also include:
Living in areas with inadequate mosquito control
Limited access to clean water and sanitary conditions from a clean water source.
Long exposure to the mosquito bite
Why Filariasis awareness is important
Filariasis is both preventable, and treatable. However, filariasis continues to have a devastating effect on over 120 million people around the globe, with an estimated 40 million people suffering from chronic symptoms. Not only does filariasis cause physical pain, which is manageable; filariasis creates an emotional burden for millions of people, and economic burden with respects to:
Disability.
Stigmatization.
Loss of revenue.
Increased healthcare costs.
Awareness will be the first step in breaking the cycle. We can empower communities to understand the importance of prevention, encourage recognition of early signs, and timely treatment.
Managing Chronic Filariasis
Management of chronic filariasis depends on consistent care in order to ameliorate symptoms, minimize complications, and improve quality of life. A key area for care is everyday foot hygiene methods. People with chronic filariasis should wash the affected limb daily with soap and water, dry thoroughly, and apply cream or lotion to lessen dryness and minimize risk of bacterial infections. The person with chronic filariasis should learn to reduce swelling by elevating the limb and exercising lightly to promote lymphatic drainage. Using compression bandages may also help with reduction of swelling and promote drainage.
There are medications which may assist in treating chronic filariasis, such as Ivercor 6mg (ivermectin). This medication can help lessen microfilarial load in the blood when taken once every six months but may be even more effective when taken in conjunction with other anti-parasitics like diethylcarbamazine (DEC) and/or albendazole. Although Ivercor 6mg is not a cure for chronic symptoms of filariasis, it is an important medication because it limits the severity of the condition and its contagiousness.
Surgical intervention may be required in some cases to address complications, such as in the case of a hydrocele. Mental health support, social inclusion, and educating family members about chronic filariasis is very important, as the condition can lead to hopelessness, financial hardship, and social stigma from others. With appropriate care and support from the community, people who have lived with chronic filariasis can have a better quality of life and experience a life of dignity in their communities.
Actions Families Can Take
The best way to educate and take action at home is with prevention:
Teach your children about the importance of not getting bitten by mosquitoes.
Ensure family members take preventive medicine during the MDA drives.
Help or organize community clean-ups.
Advocate for improved mosquito control and sanitation facilities to be made available in your neighbourhood.
Final Thoughts
Filariasis is preventable and can be managed if people are aware and active. Being aware of the transmission, being aware of the symptoms, and contributing to public health strategies can help us avoid the effects of disease and help us ensure that ourselves and future generations will not have to suffer the consequences
Protect your family from this condition by practicing mosquito control, participating in mass drug administrations or filaria advisory groups, and encouraging others to know and understand filariasis. Together we can look forward to a future without this disease!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is filariasis contagious?
No. It cannot be transmitted from person to person directly. It spreads only through mosquito bites.
2. Can children get filariasis?
Yes, children in endemic areas are at risk, especially if they are exposed to mosquitoes over long periods.
3. Is filariasis curable?
Yes, especially in early stages. Chronic cases can be managed with hygiene and physical therapy.
4. What is the best time for diagnosis?
Blood samples for diagnosis are best taken at night when microfilariae are most active in the bloodstream.
5. Where can I get tested or treated?
Most local health centers in endemic regions provide free testing and treatment, especially during MDA programs.