Lymphatic Filariasis
What Is LF? A crippling disease spread by mosquitoes and caused by thread-like nematode worms that block the lymphatic system.
Symptoms: Chronic fever along with swelling and deformity of limbs and genitalia (elephantiasis).
Can It Be Eradicated? Because the Wucheria bancrofti worms infect only humans, some experts believe that global eradication is possible using a combination of bed nets and mass drug administration.
Status: On track for ELIMINATION in many countries.
Elimination and Care
Lymphatic filariasis, sometimes abbreviated simply as LF, threatens almost one billion people around the world—from Asia to Africa to Latin America. Many of those infected by this parasitic worm suffer from severe, painful swelling of limbs or genitals, known as elephantiasis. Often victims cannot work, and their profound disfigurement is a source of intense shame and social isolation.
Since 1998, The Carter Center has been a partner in the global program to end LF. The effort was launched as a two-pronged campaign—aimed at stopping transmission and caring for those who already have the disease. With effective mass administration of the drugs ivermectin and albendazole, transmission of the disease has dropped and prospects for elimination are good.
Stopping LF — An Integrated Approach
Health workers rely on two main tools to combat lymphatic filariasis: bed nets, which prevent mosquitoes from biting, and drugs, which prevent mosquitoes from becoming infected. These two interventions have led to a remarkable decrease in transmission among at-risk populations—in fact, in many areas mass drug administration is no longer even necessary.
But diseases don’t occur in isolation—and they shouldn’t be treated that way. Ivermectin, one of the drugs used to treat LF, is also effective against the worms that cause river blindness. And bed nets stop mosquitoes that may be carrying malaria as well as lymphatic filariasis. So governments and health organizations are trying to work more efficiently and effectively by integrating LF elimination with efforts to fight malaria, river blindness, intestinal worms, and schistosomiasis (snail fever).
Mass Drug Administration. Tanzania, 2010 | Several pharmaceutical companies have pledged to donate as much medicine as is needed—for as long as is needed—to treat river blindness and lymphatic filariasis. To date, they have provided well over a billion drug doses, free of charge. GlaxoSmithKline/Marcus Perkins
Bed Net Distribution Nigeria, 2010 | With a potent insecticide embedded in its fibers, a long-lasting insecticidal net will help protect this woman and her family from disease-causing mosquitoes for three years or more.The Carter Center/Emily Howard Staub
Improving Care
Existing medications can stop transmission of lymphatic filariasis, but they cannot reverse the disease once the parasite has struck. So LF programs work closely with communities to teach proper care for those who already suffer from the disease.
Local health educators teach community members how to prevent bacterial and fungal infection through improved hygiene and skin care, and how to reduce inflammation by exercising and elevating the affected limbs. In some communities, support groups give patients a chance to share experiences and learn how others have dealt with the physical and emotional challenges of LF.
