Parasitics
Elephantiasis
Elephantiasis
Characteristics
Elephantiasis refers to a parasitic infection that causes extreme swelling in the arms and legs.
The disease is caused by the filarial worm, which is transmitted form human to human via the female mosquito when it takes a blood meal. The parasite grows into an adult worm that lives in the lymphatic system of humans.
Lymphatic filariasis, commonly known as elephantiasis.
Symptoms
In many cases, symptoms of elephantiasis do not appear until years after infection. As the parasites accumulate in the blood vessels, they can restrict circulation and cause fluid to build up in surrounding tissues.
Symptoms of acute infection of elephantiasis are:
- Fever
- Pain in testicles
- Pain above testicles
- Enlarged groin lymph nodes
Symptoms of chronic infection of elephantiasis are:
- Massively swollen legs, genitalia and breasts
- White urinary discharge
- Swollen Liver
- Swollen Spleen
Treatment
Because elephantiasis is found mainly in poorer countries, money for research into the cure and prevention of the disease has been limited. Effective treatment and preventive efforts would include:
- spraying to kill mosquitoes
- giving antibiotics to prevent infection
- giving medications to kill microfilariae circulating in the blood
- applying pressure bandages to reduce swelling
- surgically removing infected tissue.
Self Treatment:
- Health Diet
- Exercise
- Elevate affected area
- Good Hygiene
- Sleep in bug net
History
- Commonly found in the South East Asia Region and Africa Region
- Affects more than 120 million people in 80 countries worldwide
- The disease is transmitted to humans by mosquitoes.
- The disease is not communicable or inherited by anybody.
- Has no cure once symptoms start. No on on record has recovered from Elephantiasis. (But not fatal)
- Discovered by Jon Huygen Linschoten in 1588
Bibliography
Works Cited
"Elephantiasis." Prezi.com. Web. 14 Mar. 2015. <https://prezi.com/rtwlkgsjifqq/elephantiasis/>.
"Elephantiasis." WebMD. WebMD. Web. 10 Mar. 2015. <http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/elephantiasis>.
"Elephantiasis Infection: What to Do, Genetics, How to Care, Cause, Symptoms, Treatments, Prevention, Long-term Outlook, Risks, Complication." Mama's Health.com. Web. 13 Mar. 2015. <http://www.mamashealth.com/parinfect/elep.asp>.