|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
Full Text
On August 5, 2024, an X user named The_Bearded_Dr_Sina (@the_beardedsina) posted a picture with the caption, “This disease is spread by MOSQUITOES. It is not a spiritual attack. Name– ELEPHANTIASIS.” The post has garnered reactions, with 208.6K views, 15 comments, and 551 reposts at the time of this report.
The post elicited various reactions and comments from users, highlighting a mix of surprise and newfound awareness. One user, Iampelumi (@Itzpelumi), humorously commented, “What Mosquitoes cannot do does not exist.”
Another, Timeless Empyrean (@ricyofficial @SageOrhis), expressed surprise, stating, “Wow. I’ve seen this a few times. I never knew mosquitoes were the cause.” Duchess_Beeyah (@KhadijaGarba19) reacted with concern, saying, “So Malaria isn’t our only fear? I better come and take sleeping inside my net more seriously.” Meanwhile, BolaTITO (@mirab_clothiers) responded in disbelief, writing, “Haa mosquito keh.”
Due to the questions and confusion raised by the post, DUBAWA decided to publish an explainer to provide more information.
What is elephantiasis?
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), lymphatic filariasis, or elephantiasis, is classified as a Neglected Tropical Disease (NTD). Lymphatic filariasis is caused by infection with parasites known as nematodes, or roundworms, belonging to the Filariodidea family. There are three types of these thread-like worms:
- Wuchereria Bancrofti which accounts for about 90% of all cases.
- Brugia Malayi is responsible for most of the remaining cases.
- Brugia timori, which can also lead to the disease.
How common is elephantiasis (lymphatic filariasis)?
According to the Cleveland Clinic, Elephantiasis, or lymphatic filariasis, affects approximately 120 million people globally, about 1.5% of the world’s population. The condition is most prevalent in tropical regions, with higher cases in countries across Asia, Africa, and South America. Data from the World Health Organization (WHO) shows that over 882 million people in 44 countries are at risk and require preventive treatment to stop the spread of this parasitic infection.
According to a survey by Sightsavers, Nigeria bears a significant burden regarding neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). Approximately one-quarter of all people affected by NTDs in Africa reside in Nigeria. It is estimated that around 100 million Nigerians are at risk of contracting at least one of these diseases, with several million already infected with more than one.
Elephantiasis is rare in North America, as the parasitic worms that cause the disease are not found in the United States. The risk of contracting elephantiasis during a short visit to affected countries is low; however, prolonged stays of several months or years in high-risk areas increase the likelihood of infection.
What is the relationship between elephantiasis and mosquitoes?
According to WebMD, mosquitoes are not only a concern because of malaria; they also spread elephantiasis. Elephantiasis is caused by an infection with nematode parasites (roundworms) from the Filariodidea family, transmitted through mosquito bites. The infection is often acquired in childhood and gradually causes hidden damage to the lymphatic system over time.
Elephantiasis is spread through mosquito bites, during which the mosquito deposits the larvae of nematodes onto the skin. These larvae penetrate the skin and migrate into the lymphatic vessels, developing into adult worms. This infection can eventually cause progressive leg swelling and severe disfigurement in those affected. It is important to note that many infected individuals may not display any symptoms.
Experts speak
The Ondo State’s Deputy Programs Manager for Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs), Mr Jacob Ilemobayo, highlighted misconceptions surrounding elephantiasis, emphasising the need for greater awareness and understanding.
“We refer to certain diseases as neglected tropical diseases, and elephantiasis is one of them,” Mr Ilemobayo explained. “They are called neglected because people often take them for granted. Many, especially in our community, believe these are not natural diseases but are caused by witches, which is a belief rooted in ignorance.”
Mr Ilemobayo clarified that elephantiasis is caused by a parasite called Wuchereria Bancrofti, rather than mosquitoes. “It’s not the mosquito that causes elephantiasis; it’s the parasite. However, mosquitoes are the carriers that transmit the parasite from an infected person to someone who is not infected,” he said. “When a mosquito bites an infected person, it picks up the parasite and then transmits it to the next person it bites, leading to infection.”
He further explained that the parasite resides in the bloodstream. “To diagnose this infection, a blood sample from the infected person must be examined under a microscope in a laboratory,” he stated.
Addressing the modes of transmission, Mr Ilemobayo pointed out that the parasite is not spread through water, food, or other means. “The parasite is transmitted solely through mosquito bites. If a mosquito bites an infected person, it takes up the parasite with the blood and then deposits it into another person through subsequent bites,” he said.
Professor Tanimola Akande, a professor of public health at the University of Ilorin, emphasised that treatment involves the use of antiparasitic drugs. “These medications are effective in killing the worms, larvae, and microfilariae,” he said. “They are also used for prevention and to eliminate elephantiasis in countries where the disease is endemic.”
He noted the progressive nature of the disease, which can lead to significant leg swelling and disfigurement. “It is important to understand that while the disease can cause severe physical changes, many infected individuals may not show any symptoms,” Prof Akande added.
The professor highlighted the importance of early diagnosis and treatment to prevent the disease from advancing and causing more severe health issues.
He added that the diseases cause disfigurement, stigmatisation, malnutrition, and cognition problems, leading to a range of social, economic, and psychological burdens for those affected.
Conclusion
The spread of elephantiasis, or lymphatic filariasis, is primarily driven by the transmission of parasitic nematodes through mosquito bites, not by supernatural causes, as some cultural beliefs suggest.
The researcher produced this article per the DUBAWA 2024 Kwame KariKari Fellowship, in partnership with Crest 91.1FM, Ibadan, and News Verifier Africa, to facilitate the ethos of “truth” in journalism and enhance media literacy in the country.
