Govt bid to eliminate filariasis in Arwal district

Patna | Tuesday | 18th December, 2018

Summary:

Lymphoedema or eliphantiasis (swelling in limbs) and hydrocele (swelling in scrotal sac) are two common sub-types of the disease.The Central government aims to eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis (LF) by 2020. By: SM ShahbazPATNA: State health department will undertake a mass drug administration campaign (MDA) in Arwal district under the ‘National Programme for Elimination of Lymphatic Filariasis’ from December 20 to 31 to prevent the spread of filariasis in the district.Lymphatic Filariasis or Hathipaon is a mosquito-borne disease spread by female culex mosquito. Earlier, only two medicines Diethylcarbamazine (DCE) and Albandazole were administered to people.”He added, “Total 6.5 lakh people will be administered preventive doses to avert the spread of Lymphatic Filariasis disease. First, we will target schoolchildren and then health workers will distribute free of cost medicines to people of the district at their doorsteps. The three medicines included in mass drug administration campaign will have other benefits such as protection from infections caused by intestinal worms..