Common Illnesses and Diseases While Travelling and Backpacking  

 

Lymphatic Filariasis / Elefantiasis

Lymphatic filariasis also known as Elefantiasis is a parasitic disease caused by microscopic, thread-like worms Wuchereria bancrofi and Brugia malayi. The adult worms only live in the human lymph system. Lymphatic filariasis affects over 120 million people in 73 countries.
The disease spreads from person to person by mosquito bites.

Occurrence: Wuchereria bancrofi occurs between 41 degree N and 30 degree S.
Primary the following countries are involved:
• Africa
• Pacific
• South East Asia
Wuchereria bancrofi occurs in:
• India
• Myanmar
• Thailand
• Vietnam
• China
• Korea
• Japan
• Malaysia
• Indonesia
• Borneo
• New Guinea
• Philippines

Manifestation: Symptoms will start about a year after the infection. These include:
• Fever
• Chills
• Sweats
• Headache
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Muscle pain
In the chronic phase fluid collects and causes swelling in the arms, breasts, legs, and for men, the genital area. The name for this swelling is lymphedema.

Diagnosis and treatment: Parasites can be found in blood. Treatment is available with good prognosis.

Prevent Lymphatic filariasis by:
• Avoid mosquito bites by remaining in well screened areas
• Avoid mosquito bites by remaining in air-conditioned areas.

 

 

The contents above, from www.best-backpackers-insurance.co.uk is for information purposes only and cannot substitute for professional health care or any other medical treatment. All users of this website with any health problems should always consult their medical doctor or go directly to a hospital or clinic in their destination before starting any treatment.