ELEPHANTIASIS AND MOSQUITOES

Elephantiasis is also known as lymphatic filariasis. It’s caused by parasitic worms and can spread from person to persons through mosquitoes. Elephantiasis causes swelling of the scrotum, legs, breasts, etc.

Elephantiasis is most common in tropical countries and is caused by parasitic nematode worms that look like tiny threads. The infection caused by these filarial worms, Wuchereria bancrofti, Brugia malayi and Brugia timori, are transmitted by mosquitoes. Fortunately, this infectious disease is very rare in Western countries. . It’s estimated that over 120 million people have elephantiasis. It has existed for a long time. Reports of the disease have been documented in ancient Greek literature. It was only in later centuries when a better understanding of elephantiasis was developed, pinpointing mosquitoes as carriers of the worms.

 It predominantly occurs mostly at the poor portions of the population, in areas where there are great numbers of breeding sites for mosquitoes that carry the disease. 

TRANSMISSION

Elephantiasis starts from the bite of an infected mosquito, or when a person comes into contact with water where the infected mosquitoes breed. The parasitic worms that are transferred to humans burrow into the body; the part of the body it burrows is the lymphatic systems.

Adult worms will live in the lymphatic vessels for 4 to 6 years, and the females can produce a large number of larvae (microfilariae) which travel around in the bloodstream. The infection can be spread when a mosquito that has bitten an infected person bites other people. In the areas where the disease is concentrated, it is estimated that 54% of the population are infected by microfilariae.

Although it is not fatal, elephantiasis is chronic and very painful. The disease causes an accumulation of fluid, swelling, passing of cloudy-colored urine, and in its most extreme form, the skin and underlying tissues of the lower limbs and scrotum thickens and become distended, taking on the resemblance of elephant limbs and earning it the name, elephantiasis. 

The inflammation that starts within the skin is usually caused by the immune system’s reaction to the parasite. It can also be caused by bacteria which may have invaded the skin because of an already weakened immune system.

These symptoms develop in a very slow manner, sometimes taking years. Those who are infected do not show any outward signs until the disease reaches its late phase. In the latter stage of the disease, affected persons are immediately identified because of their grossly swollen legs, arms, breasts or genitals with cracked, thickened skin that is rough and hard to the touch. Elephantiasis can also cause damage to the kidneys and the entire lymphatic system. People who are affected by elephantiasis are subjected to social stigma and are unable to live a normal life.

PREVENTION

Preventing the occurrence of lymphatic filariasis means avoiding the bites of mosquitoes suspected of carrying the disease. It’s advisable to limit outdoor activities during night-time, especially if living in rural areas or jungles; avoiding dark-colored clothing which is attractive to mosquitoes, not wearing scents like perfume or cologne, treating clothes with an insect repellent, using citronella or lemon eucalyptus leaves to ward off mosquitoes, installing screens and mosquito nets, using air-conditioning as cooler air causes mosquitoes to become lethargic and wearing of long sleeves and long pants to prevent mosquito bite.

TREATMENT

There is no vaccine for Elephantiasis as of the present; scientists are still working to find a preventive inoculation for the disease. The World Health Organization also continues its drive to stop the infection from spreading, and to ease the symptoms of those already infected.

Treatment for elephantiasis includes:

·         Use of anti parasitic drugs

·         Using good hygiene to clean the affected areas

·         Elevating the affected areas

·         Caring for wounds in the affected areas

·         Exercising based on a doctor’s directions

·         Surgery in extreme cases, which may include reconstructive surgery for the affected areas or surgery to remove affected lymphatic tissue

Treatment may also include emotional and psychological support.

COMPLICATIONS OF THE CONDITION

The most common complication of elephantiasis is disability caused by extreme swelling and enlargement of body parts. The pain and swelling can make it difficult to complete daily tasks or work. In addition, secondary infections are common concern with elephantiasis

Imagine having your legs and genital organs puff up to roughly the size of elephant limbs. Now imagine having to attend to your daily activities while attempting to move your huge and swollen body parts.