{"id":899,"date":"2023-04-04T22:44:20","date_gmt":"2023-04-04T17:14:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/kbkhospitals.com\/blog\/?p=899"},"modified":"2023-04-04T22:45:01","modified_gmt":"2023-04-04T17:15:01","slug":"what-is-filariasis-its-causes-prevention-best-treatment","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/kbkhospitals.com\/blog\/what-is-filariasis-its-causes-prevention-best-treatment\/","title":{"rendered":"What is Filariasis? It’s Causes, Prevention & Best treatment available."},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Introduction –<\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Did you know that there is a parasitic disease<\/a><\/strong> that affects millions of people in developing countries worldwide? It’s called filariasis, and it’s spread through mosquito bites. Sometimes, infected people show no symptoms, but in other cases, they may experience inflammation, swelling, fever, or even lymphedema or hydrocele. However, there are ways to prevent this disease, like avoiding mosquito bites if you live or travel to tropical climates. Knowing the early symptoms and the best treatment options can also help reduce the debilitating effects of filariasis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

What is Filariasis?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Filariasis is a frightening infectious disease<\/a><\/strong> that can cause inflammation, fever, and serious health complications. In severe cases, it can even cause disfigurement, causing skin thickening and swelling in the calves, often referred to as elephantiasis. This disease is caused by tiny parasitic worms that infiltrate your lymphatic system and wreak havoc on your body’s ability to balance fluid levels and protect against infections. Medically it is known as lymphatic filariasis. It’s important to seek treatment for filariasis to prevent potential complications from this serious disease.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Who is at risk of contracting filariasis?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Filariasis is found mostly in tropical climates. Especially in Asian, African, and South American countries. However, you’ll unlikely contract filariasis during a short visit to these areas. But, if you are planning on an extended stay for work or travel, make sure to protect yourself against this potentially serious illness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Causes of Lymphatic Filariasis:<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n
    \n
  • Lymphatic Filariasis is a parasitic disease that spreads through mosquito bites. When a mosquito bites someone with the disease, it becomes infected with microscopic worms. Then it circulates in the person\u2019s blood. Then, when that mosquito bites someone else, those worms pass through the skin and into the person\u2019s lymph vessels, where they grow into adult worms that can live for up to 7 years. These adult worms mate and release millions of microscopic worms into the person\u2019s blood, allowing them to infect others through more mosquito bites. It\u2019s a complex and fascinating process for those contracting the disease. So it is important to take precautions against mosquito bites in areas where lymphatic Filariasis is present to prevent the spread of the disease.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Filariasis is a disease caused by worms and is spread by mosquitoes. But the tricky part is that those mosquitoes only bite between dusk and dawn, making it especially hard to avoid. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Factors like urbanization, poor sanitation, and the migration of people contribute to the spread of this disease. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Interestingly, men are more susceptible to the disease than women, which could be due to spending more time outdoors and having more exposed skin.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
    <\/div>\n\n\n\n

    Symptoms of lymphatic filariasis parasites in humans –<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
    <\/div>\n\n\n\n
      \n
    • When people contract lymphatic filariasis, they may not even realize it at first. That means it will not show any parasitic infection symptoms. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • However, a whole host of parasitic infection symptoms can arise in the acute stage of the disease. These can include fever, inflammation of the lymph vessels, and swelling of the lymph nodes. The arms, legs, and even breasts can become significantly swollen, and men may experience a painful condition called hydrocele, which causes the scrotum to enlarge and become uncomfortable. Underwear is often out of the question due to the increased pressure it puts on the affected area.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Lymphatic filariasis can lead to serious symptoms, especially in the chronic stage. One major sign is the dreaded elephantiasis, where your limbs become massively swollen and uncomfortable. Elephantiasis is caused by parasites also.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Another clue that you might have this disease is if you notice lymph (a clear fluid that helps fight infection) in your urine, a condition called chyluria. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Those with lymphatic filariasis also have a weakened immune system. That makes the infected person more susceptible to skin infections and other bacterial illnesses. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • An allergic reaction to the skin parasites can sometimes lead to tropical pulmonary eosinophilia, a serious illness that can cause respiratory problems.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
      <\/div>\n\n\n\n

      Filariasis: how is it diagnosed?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
      <\/div>\n\n\n\n

      If you suspect you have lymphatic filariasis, a blood sample will be required by healthcare providers to diagnose it. There are a couple of approaches that they may take, such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      <\/div>\n\n\n\n

      Microscopic testing:<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
      <\/div>\n\n\n\n

      By examining your blood sample under a microscope, providers can determine if it contains any filarial worms. Interestingly, these worms are known as nocturnally periodic. That means they only travel through your blood at nighttime. You might have to get your blood drawn in the evening, depending on when they are most active.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Antibody testing:<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
      <\/div>\n\n\n\n

      To detect antibodies in your blood that develop in response to an infection, providers may test your blood sample. Lucky for you, this test can be done during the day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Prevention of Lymphatic Filariasis –<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
      <\/div>\n\n\n\n

      Lymphatic Filariasis is a disease spread by mosquitoes that can cause swelling and damage to the lymph system. In order to prevent filariasis, you should avoid mosquito bites as much as possible. Mosquitos also cause malaria.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      <\/div>\n\n\n\n
        \n
      • First, make sure to close all windows before dusk and avoid opening them until after dawn to keep those pesky mosquitoes out of your home.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • You can also use mosquito nets while sleeping or apply mosquito repellent cream to exposed areas of the skin. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Keep your surroundings free of stagnant water, which serves as a breeding ground for mosquitos.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Cover up with long-sleeved shirts, pants, and socks in affected areas.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
        <\/div>\n\n\n\n

        The Best Treatment for Filariasis:<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
        <\/div>\n\n\n\n

        If you’re dealing with filariasis, your treatment plan will vary depending on your severe symptoms. There are a few options available to you that may help ease the effects of this parasitic disease.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        <\/div>\n\n\n\n
        \n