Lymphatic filariasis is one of the world’s leading causes of permanent and long-term disability. Sometimes referred to as Elephantiasis tropica, it is a neglected and stigmatised mosquito-borne disease. It damages the human lymphatic system, leading to disfiguring swelling of limbs, breasts and genitals. Despite a decade of World Health Organisation (WHO)-led drug administration to halt its spread, the disease is endemic in 72 countries, puts about 1.4 billion at risk and affects about 120 million people. People are primarily infected with the disease through mosquito bites. In Africa, the Anopheles mosquito is the main vector. The female Anopheles mosquito transmits microscopic filarial parasitic worms (Wuchereria bancrofti, Brugia timori and Brugia malayi) from one person to another during its feeding process.
SOURCE: THE CONVERSATION
More Stories
Tunisian City Attracts a New Type of Tourist
DYK that the Green Point Lighthouse is the Oldest Operational Lighthouse in South Africa?
This Mauritian Resort is the Definition of Relaxation
Who Wouldn’t Happily Take a trip to Seychelles at Any Given Point in the Year?
Your July Destination is Sorted
A Gourmet Revival of Sierra Leone’s Bold Flavours
A Continental Visionary Design Indaba Emerging
How David Ochieng Uses Fashion to Positively Impact Kenyan Communities
Mbongeni Buthelezi: The South African Artist Turning Plastic into Portraits
What Tems’ Global Success Means for Women in African Music
Radisson Blu Hotel Is Officially Open In Durban
Hilton Closes Shop in Nairobi