Where does elephantiasis occur in the world?

Where does elephantiasis occur in the world?

Elephantiasis is considered a neglected tropical disease (NTD). It’s more common in tropical and subtropical areas of the world, including Africa and Southeast Asia. It’s estimated that 120 million people have elephantiasis.

What areas of the world are most affected by elephantiasis?

Lymphatic filariasis affects over 120 million people in 72 countries throughout the tropics and sub-tropics of Asia, Africa, the Western Pacific, and parts of the Caribbean and South America. Whereas the disease was once thought to affect only adults, it now appears that most infections are acquired in childhood.

Is elephantiasis in Australia?

Elephantiasis, also known as lymphatic filariasis, is a disease that can cause arms and legs to swell, and skin to become hard and thick like an elephant’s. It is spread by infected mosquitoes and affects millions of low-income people in tropical areas, but you cannot catch it in Australia.

In which part of India elephantiasis is common?

Trend and present endemicity of the filariasis in India State of Bihar has highest endemicity (over 17%) followed by Kerala (15.7%) and Uttar Pradesh (14.6%). Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu have about 10% endemicity.

Can elephantiasis be cured?

There are medicines to treat elephantiasis. Your doctor may give you one called diethylcarbamazine (DEC). You’ll take it once a year. It will kill the microscopic worms in your bloodstream.

Can elephantiasis cause death?

Elephantiasis is most often caused by filariasis, a tropical disease. Non-filarial elephantiasis can be the result of a chronic erysipelas infection which can lead to sepsis, multiple organ failure and death if not treated in time.

What is the main cause of elephantiasis?

Elephantiasis is caused by obstruction of the lymphatic system, which results in the accumulation of a fluid called lymph in the affected areas. Functioning as part of the immune system, the lymphatic system helps to protect the body against infection and disease.

Is elephantiasis very painful?

You may not know you have elephantiasis until you notice the swelling. Not only will those body parts begin to look bulky and lumpy with stiff, tough skin, there is also pain in the swollen area. You may also have chills, fever, and just feel bad all over.

Can you be born with elephantiasis?

The condition variously known as Milroy’s disease, hereditary edema, trophedema and congenital elephantiasis with a familial or hereditary incidence is so rare that another instance of it deserves to be recorded.

Which type of mosquito causes elephantiasis?

In Africa, the most common vector is Anopheles and in the Americas, it is Culex quinquefasciatus. Aedes and Mansonia can transmit the infection in the Pacific and in Asia.

Can elephantiasis be cured completely?

Can elephantiasis be reversed?

Treated in its early stages, the swelling of elephantiasis can often be reversed. Once it has become extreme, it can’t be. Further enlargement — and painful, feverish exacerbations — can be prevented by keeping the leg clean and elevated.

How does elephantiasis spread from person to person?

Elephantiasis is also known as lymphatic filariasis. It’s caused by parasitic worms, and can spread from person to person through mosquitoes. Elephantiasis causes swelling of the scrotum, legs, or breasts. Elephantiasis is considered a neglected tropical disease (NTD). It’s more common in tropical and subtropical areas of the world,

How many people in the world have elephantiasis?

Overview. Elephantiasis causes swelling of the scrotum, legs, or breasts. Elephantiasis is considered a neglected tropical disease (NTD). It’s more common in tropical and subtropical areas of the world, including Africa and Southeast Asia. It’s estimated that 120 million people have elephantiasis.

What kind of disease is lymphatic filariasis or elephantiasis?

He is Verywell’s Senior Medical Advisor. Lymphatic filariasis , commonly referred to as elephantiasis , is a neglected tropical disease caused by tiny parasitic worms spread by mosquitos. While most people don’t have any symptoms, the infection can cause painful swelling, particularly in the limbs, that can lead to permanent disability.

Where does elephantiasis cause swelling of the scrotum?

Elephantiasis causes swelling of the scrotum, legs, or breasts. Elephantiasis is considered a neglected tropical disease (NTD). It’s more common in tropical and subtropical areas of the world, including Africa and Southeast Asia. It’s estimated that 120 million