Dr Paul T Francis, MD Community Medicine College of Medicine, Zawia Filariasis Dr Paul T Francis, MD Community Medicine College of Medicine, Zawia
Filariasis Filariasis is a group of diseases caused by the Filarial parasites The disease is transmitted by the bite of insects Filariasis is not a problem in Libya
Epidemiological features Agent W bancrofti B malayi O volvulus Environmental factors that favor breeding of vectors will lead to increase in the disease Vectors Mosquitoes – W bancrofti and B malayi Chrysops – Loa loa Simulidae – O volvulus
Filariasis distribution in the world
W bancrofti
Loa loa in the eye
Incubation period 5 – 10 months
Prevention and control Primary prevention Control of insect vectors – mosquitoes Spraying of DDT on walls and larvicide on water having larvae Preventing mosquito bites Sleep inside mosquito nets Health education
Culex mosquito
Secondary prevention Early diagnosis and treatment