Is elephantiasis found in India?

The clinical manifestations of LF may vary from one endemic area to another. Generally, the most common clinical form of the disease is hydrocele, with lymphoedema and elephantiasis occurs less commonly. In India and neighbouring countries, both hydrocele and lymphoedema are common.

What mosquito causes elephantiasis?

A wide range of mosquitoes can transmit the parasite, depending on the geographic area. In Africa, the most common vector is Anopheles and in the Americas, it is Culex quinquefasciatus. Aedes and Mansonia can transmit the infection in the Pacific and in Asia.

What age does elephantiasis occur?

People with congenital lymphatic dysfunction may show symptoms in early childhood. It can also occur with the onset of puberty or in adulthood, even beyond age 35. Symptoms of secondary lymphedema can appear any time after surgery. Most symptoms will appear within several months to a few years after surgery.

Is elephantiasis painful?

You may not know you have elephantiasis until you notice the swelling. Not only will those body parts begin to look bulky and lumpy with stiff, tough skin, there is also pain in the swollen area. You may also have chills, fever, and just feel bad all over.

Can elephantiasis cause death?

Without proper treatment, lymphedema can lead to infection, amputation or even death. If the cause of your elephantiasis is parasitic, you need to be on medication to eradicate the infection.

How can we protect from elephantiasis?

The best way to prevent elephantiasis is to avoid mosquito bites. People who visit or live in countries at risk should: sleep under a mosquito net. cover up their skin with long sleeves and trousers.

How is elephantiasis diagnosed?

Your doctor can find out if you have elephantiasis by giving you a physical exam. They will ask about your medical history, and whether you’ve traveled to a place where you were more likely to have gotten elephantiasis. They also will have blood tests done to see if roundworms are in your bloodstream.

What part of the body does elephantiasis affect?

The arms and legs are the areas most often affected. An entire arm or leg may swell to several times its normal size resembling the thick, round appearance of an elephant’s leg.

What should not eat in filaria?

Milk and products, fish, jaggery, sweets and contaminated water must be avoided.

How much does it cost to treat elephantiasis?

Treatment of lymphatic filariasis is comparatively inexpensive. Administration of two anti-parasitic drugs to control lymphatic filariasis (elephantiasis) once a year can cost Rs 50- Rs 150. However, surgical operations cost more. Are the results of the treatment permanent?

What are the symptoms of elephantiasis in India?

Although this infection is uncommon in certain parts of the world, it is endemic in places like Africa and other topical countries including India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, etc. Symptoms of elephantiasis most prominently noted is the swelling of body parts. Skin becomes stiff, tough and bulky in legs, genitals, breasts, arms et cetera.

How is elephantiasis treated by a mosquito bite?

These parasites spread by mosquito bites. The treatment of Elephantiasis is essentially targeted at treating the active infection of Filaria. Even if Filariasis infection is controlled, the lymphatic swelling which have already occurred may not reverse.

Is there a homeopathy treatment for elephantiasis of the leg?

Once Elephantiasis takes place, that is, in the cases with large swelling of limps, legs, hands, genitals, etc. homeopathic medicines do not or cannot cure the swollen body parts. Homeopathy is suggested only for controlling the infection of Filariasis.