What is lymphatic filariasis?

Click to enlargeLymphatic filariasis, commonly known as elephantiasis, is a painful and profoundly disfiguring disease. The disease is caused by three species of thread-like nematode worms, known as filariae – Wuchereria bancrofti, Brugia malayi and Brugia timori. Filarial infection can cause a variety of clinical manifestations, including lymphoedema of the limbs, genital disease (hydrocele, chylocele, and swelling of the scrotum and penis) and recurrent acute attacks, which are extremely painful and are accompanied by fever.

In communities where filariasis is transmitted, all ages are affected. While the infection may be acquired during childhood its visible manifestations may occur later in life, causing temporary or permanent disability.

In endemic countries, lymphatic filariasis has a major social and economic impact with an estimated annual loss of $1 billion and impairing economic activity up to 88%.

Sudan is the only country in the Eastern Mediterranean Region where transmission is ongoing with an estimated 10 million living in endemic areas that require preventative treatment. The target is to eliminate it as a public health problem¹ by 2030.

Symptoms | Treatment

¹ Infection sustained below transmission assessment survey thresholds for at least 4 years after stopping MDA and availability of essential package of care in all areas with known patients.