Mass drug administration vs filariasis to include Iloilo City

ILOILO CITY, Sept. 1 – The city government here is joining the third round of the mass drug administration (MDA) against lymphatic filariasis slated in November.

This was confirmed by Dr Ma. Jocelyn Te, coordinator of the emerging/re-emerging diseases prevention and control of the Department of Health-Center for Health Development 6 (DOH-CHD 6).

The five-year MDA campaign against filariasis kicked off 2009 with the province of Iloilo as the first target and was later expanded to cover other provinces of Panay.

The four provinces of Panay are the latest provinces to be included in the 44 filariasis endemic provinces in the country following reports of indigenous cases through laboratory results.

Meantime, while no cases are yet reported from this city, the local government unit (LG) found it necessary to be part of the campaign, citing migration as one of the reasons.

Filariasis is a parasitic disease caused by microscopic, thread-like worms that live in the human lymph system and is being transmitted by female mosquitoes.

If left untreated it can lead to a chronic disease known as elephantiasis manifested by enlargement of the thigh, legs, breast and scrotum.

A combination of drugs; diethylcarbamazine citrate (DEC) and the albandazole, is being administered during the MDA. (PNA)

LAP/FFC/ajp/PGL/vlo

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