Lymphatic filariasis in RP: Is there hope for the elimination?

Unknown to many, there are about 200,000 Filipinos should think twice about leaving the confines of their homes, because doing so creates too many complications. Not only will they be subjected to the same side glances and rude comments, which would be remembered as their disease, lymphatic filariasis (LF), has put a limit on their lives.

Although not considered a major problem in the suburbs, LF is regarded as the second most debilitating disease in the province. LF is a parasitic tropical disease caused by threadlike worms (filariae) that live in the human lymphatic system. Although rarely fatal, LF can cause recurrent infections, fever, severe inflammation of the lymphatic system, and a lung condition called tropical pulmonary eosinophilia (TPE).

LF may also cause a condition called elephantiasis, which causes body parts to become grossly inflated, resulting in severe disfigurement, decreased mobility, and long-term disability. All these complications from a bite of a mosquito carrying microfilariae, which transfers the parasitic worms to humans.

Efforts have been made to control the disease, tackling the mosquito vectors. But eliminating the mosquitoes that carry the parasite that causes LF-filarial worms Wuchereria bancrofti and Brugia malayi have so far been ineffective due to the long life of the parasite (4-8 years). Studies have found that the infection remains in the community for a long period of time longer than intensive vector control efforts can be sustained.

In the Philippines, LF endemic areas include Marinduque, Oriental Mindoro, Albay, Camarines Norte and Sur, Catanduanes, Masbate, Sorsogon, Bilaran, Eastern and Northern Samar, Northern and Southern Leyte, Zamboanga del Norte, Davao del Norte and del Sur South Cotabato, Sarangani and Davao Oriental.

Suspected areas affected include La Union, Batangas, Cavite, Mindoro Occidental, Palawan, Quezon, Rizal, Romblon, Bohol, Cebu, Negros Oriental, Zamboanga del Sur, Bukidnon, Misamis Occidental and Oriental, Sultan Kudarat, Lanao del Norte and del Sur North Cotabato, Sulu, mt. Province, Agusan del Norte and del Sur and Surigao del Norte and del Sur.