Elephantiasis: A Mosquitoe Infecting Disease.

While growing up, my friends and I had a popular provision store where we got our snacks and daily sweets from, we preferred the shop amongst other provision stores around because the man had varieties of sweets and biscuits, giving us the choice to make selection of whatsoever we want. The last time I travelled home, I visited that neighbourhood because I still have some friends there, and I saw our favourite store owner already looking old, sitting down at a spot and found it difficult to move his leg, I quickly offered to get the item for myself.

I asked my friends about his condition, and they confirmed to me that it was a case of elephantiasis, and he has been battling with it for years, he resorted to the consumption of local herbs since he could not afford surgery. It was a traumatic sight for me and I immediately wish I had money to support his treatment, I gave him out of the little I had for his medications since I was financially handicapped to do more for him.

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My friend called me this morning to tell me about the death of the man and I cried, it is so sad that there are so many people going through health challenges in a country like this one and there is no medical facility or structure in place to help them, making me think of running an NGO to support a cause like this one once I have the voice and capacity to run it.

What if I tell you that this dreaded disease is transmitted by Mosquitoes.

If you live in Africa particularly Nigeria, I can guess your reaction with the subtitle already, since mosquitoes are in every cornea of the city, but that is the reality of this disease. While Elephantiasis is a common name for this disease it is scientifically known as, Lymphatic Filariasis, it is possible for humans to carry this disease without any physical manifestation for years, the physical manifestation of this disease is called Lymphoedema, it is at this stage that the human carrying the disease begins to show signs of swelling or disfiguring physical manifestation. 1

This disease is caused by parasitic worms and as mentioned above, mosquitoes transports the worms into the human body, their worms are named: Wuchereria bancrofti, Brugia malayi and Brugia timori. These worms attack the lymphatic system of the body it enters, the lymphatic system of the human body, is the system responsible for the removal of toxins and waste in the body, the presence of these worms in the body will block it and make waste removal difficult or impossible, it is at this point that the backup of lymphatic fluid in the body occurs and there is noticed swelling of the body.

The swelling of body parts occurs in the: Breasts, Arms, Legs and Genitals. The legs have been reported to be the most common affected area in most patients who have this disease. The affected areas will also appear extremely thick, dry and ulcerated.2

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Can the disease be contacted by a single mosquito bite?

If the disease could be transmitted by a single mosquito bite, then I am sure that almost everyone living in Nigeria would have become a carrier of the disease. It takes an extreme level of exposure to mosquitoes, living in a tropical or subtropical area for a long time and dwelling in an unhygienic environment.

When a mosquito bites a human infected with lymphatic filariasis, the microscopic worms infect the mosquitoes also, when this infected mosquito bites another person, the worms are transmitted from the skin of the mosquito into the human who has been bitten. It takes an average of 5-7 years to live, but they mate and release millions of their kind in a microscopic form into the blood. While the physical signs of the disease may not be evident yet, it can be transported from the through the body of the infected person into a new home.

Simple ways to prevent the infection of lymphatic filariasis.

The best way to stay free from this infection is to avoid areas with the possible presence of mosquitoes, since that is an almost mission impossible task for an average Nigerian, it is best to sleep under a mosquito net, wear long trousers and sleeves and apply mosquito repellant creams on the skin.

There are medications that could help destroy the effect of microscopic worms in the body, this does not mean that the worms will die, but it helps with the spread of the infection. In a rare case, surgery may be recommended to help with the elimination of damaged tissue. People who already have a physical attribute of the infection can carefully follow these steps to help control the condition to a reasonable extent:

• Try to perform simple exercises that would help with the movement of the fluid.
• Wear shoes that are the size of the swollen region to prevent any form of injury.
• Wash and dry affected region with soap and water on a daily basis.
• Raise the affected region during the day and at night to help control fluid movement.3

When this condition is left without a proper medical treatment, the microscopic parasites born into the blood will continue to exist for many years, therefore resulting in body damage.
A large percentage of body disability is attributed with Elephantiasis, causing a great deal of restricted body movement.
Consistent rise of infection from fungal and bacteria should also be expected.
High rise in depression and anxiety as a result of a disabled physical appearance is also seen.
Inability to perform in social gathering's.

References.

https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/lymphatic-filariasis

https://www.healthline.com/health/elephantiasis

https://www.cdc.gov/parasites/lymphaticfilariasis/gen_info/faqs.html

Hi, I am Tobi a writer, a speaker, relationship blogger, lover of good music. I love making friends and learning from people. Want to hear me speak on relationships and general life issues, you can find my podcast channel Here and listen to any episode for free, do not forget to subscribe and share with friends. I sincerely appreciate every love I get from members of the community, do well to keep them coming.