Lymphatic Filariasis

1. India is committed to eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis by the year 2027, three years ahead of the global target of 2030.
2. Lymphatic filariasis, commonly known as elephantiasis, is a neglected tropical disease.

3. It is caused by mosquitoes when they transmit filarial parasites (classified as nematodes) to humans causing infection.
4. Three types of these filarial worms include:
   1. Wuchereria bancrofti, which is responsible for 90% of the cases
   2. Brugia malayi, which causes most of the remainder of the cases
   3. Brugia timori, which also causes the disease.
5. The worms can live for approximately 6–8 years and during their lifetime produces millions of microfilariae (immature larvae) that circulate in the blood of the infected person.
6. The disease is transmitted by different types of mosquitoes including culex, anopheles and Aedes.
7. The infection usually occurs in childhood and affects the lymphatic system causing abnormal enlargement of body parts, causing pain, severe disability and social stigma.
8. It can also lead to permanent disability in the later stages.
9. Requires preventive chemotherapy to stop the spread of this parasitic infection.

Link: Eight districts in the last stage of eliminating Elephantiasis, says DHS | Mumbai News - The Indian Express