ABSTRACT
The mass DEC drug administration to eliminate lymphatic filariasis in Kozhikode district was monitored from 2001 to 2003 to assess the drug distribution coverage, compliance, reasons for non-compliance, side reactions, mf prevalence and intensity, infection and infectivity rates in the vector. The drug distribution coverage and compliance were much below the required level. "No disease so not necessary" (42.5%) and "fear of side reactions" (25.2%) were the two major reasons for non-compliance. The adverse reactions were minimal. No appreciable changes were found in the mf prevalence and intensity. For the successful implementation of the MDA programme, proper planning, intense and timely efforts to motivate the community and innovative drug delivery strategies are required.
Subject(s)
Adult , Animals , Child , Culex , Diethylcarbamazine/administration & dosage , Drug Administration Schedule , Elephantiasis, Filarial/drug therapy , Female , Filaricides/administration & dosage , Humans , India/epidemiology , Insect Vectors/parasitology , Male , Patient Compliance , Rural HealthABSTRACT
A total of 4492 persons from 5 panchayats and 1 town were investigated from the Brugia malayi most endemic taluk of Cherthala, Alappuzha district of Kerala state. The urban area in Cherthala taluk only revealed mf carriers; mf rate was 0.13%. Rural areas in Cherthala taluk were free from infection. Microfilaria rate had declined by 99.5% and disease rate by 90.7% in Cherthala compared to 1934 prevalence. Shedding of sheath by B. malayi microfilariae was recorded for the first time in India. The youngest person with microfilaria and disease manifestation was 4 1/2 and 9 years respectively. All the 3 major vectors, Mansonia annulifera, Ma.uniformis and Culex quinquefasciatus were prevalent throughout. Complete disappearance of brugian filariasis from this taluk is a distinct possibility. The reasons for the drastic decline are discussed.
Subject(s)
Adolescent , Adult , Age Factors , Animals , Brugia malayi , Cats/parasitology , Child , Child, Preschool , Culex/parasitology , Disease Reservoirs , Dogs/parasitology , Endemic Diseases , Filariasis/blood , Health Transition , Humans , India/epidemiology , Infant , Infant, Newborn , Insect Vectors/parasitology , Middle Aged , Prevalence , Malvaceae/parasitologyABSTRACT
A case report of a European woman who contracted filariasis after staying for a few weeks in a filaria endemic area of south India is presented in this paper.