Filariasis, more popularly known as elephantiasis, is a disease that is caused by the presence of parasites in the body, which normally live and develop in the lymphatic system, generating symptoms such as swelling of the arms or legs, itching in the body or painful waters, for example.
These parasites are transmitted through mosquito bites, which take these parasites in their youthful form in the blood of an infected person and then pass them on to the blood of another healthy person.
There are several types of mosquitoes that can transmit filariasis, however, the most common include Anopheles , Culex quinquefasciatus , Aedes and Mansonia , mainly affecting countries in Africa, Asia and the Americas.
Thus, like the diversity of mosquito species, there are also several types of parasites that can cause this infection, however, the most common is that it is caused by the parasite Wuchereria bancroft i, which is responsible for most cases worldwide.
Learn more about filariasis, its symptoms and treatment.
How is the filariasis cycle
Infection with filariasis parasites usually begins with the bite of an infected mosquito. When this happens, juvenile forms of the parasite are released into the bitten person's bloodstream and travel to the vessels and lymph nodes, where they grow for almost 6 months to become an adult.
Inside the lymphatic vessels, the female parasite releases millions of very youthful forms into the blood, which are then caught by mosquitoes when they bite the infected person. These forms continue to develop inside the mosquito for up to 2 weeks, where they reach the stage where they can be passed on to a new person, infecting them and starting the whole cycle again.
How to protect yourself
The prevention of filariasis must be done through hygienic measures and combating mosquitoes that transmit the disease. Thus, some forms of prevention include:
- Use of mosquito nets or curtains with insecticides, which prevent the contact of the mosquito with man. Insecticide rinse at home. Extermination of the larvae with chemical agents. Use of clothes that cover as much skin as possible when in risk areas. Repellent use. Avoid standing water.
In addition, whenever a new case arises, it is very important to inform health workers so that the risk of passing the disease is identified and the necessary measures are taken to prevent the disease from spreading.
Check out other natural ways to fight mosquitoes.
