PHO-Aklan aims for filariasis-free provinceBY BOY RYAN B. ZABAL
http://www.bomboradyo.com/index.php/news/regional-news/akeanon/28250-pho-handum-nga-maging-filariaris-free-ro-aklan
KALIBO, Aklan - To eradicate high incidence of filariasis, the mass drug administration (MDA) for the general population in the province is ongoing from October until end of November, which is provided for free by Department of Health (DoH).
Provincial Health Officer II Dr. Emma Cortes said cases of filariasis were noted in abaca and banana plantations in Libacao and in remote places such as Madalag. It was detected in October 2009 nocturnal blood survey in the boundary of Capiz, Aklan and Iloilo.
“Through the years, Aklan is a filariasis-free province until a DoH field team reported that the province of Aklan has cases of filariasis in the hinterlands,” Cortes stressed over DyRU Super Radyo Kalibo.
Most cases of filariasis in the country were found in 4th to 6th class municipalities, especially in remote areas.
Cortes said Aklan has a high 6.2 percent incidence of filariasis, surpassing the criteria of having more than 1 percent prevalence of microfilaremia. Out of 46 cases affected by filariasis in the town of Libacao, 40 cases showed signs of filariasis hydrocele or inflammatory of genitals of patients while six cases, all males, has yet to manifest deformities.
To control filariaris commonly known as elephantiasis, DoH Aklan has conducted orientations with the Municipal Health Units, Philippine National Police, Department of Education, Department of Interior and Local Government and other sectors for the mass treatment undertaken under the auspices of World Health Organization as mandated by Presidential Order No. 369.
Children aged 2 years old and above will be given Dietheylcarbamazine Citrate (DEC) and Albendazole in the municipal health centers for endemic provinces once a year for five consecutive years to eliminate lymphatic filariasis.
“FiIaria is a chronic disease transmitted by mosquitoes which would take five to 15 years to manifest. It is parasitic infection caused by microscopic, thread-like worms lodged into the lymphatic system. Among the symptoms, which could cause permanent disability, are fever and cough and swelling in the arms, legs, vagina, scrotum and breast,” Cortes said.
Cortes urged the public to wear long pants and shirts with sleeves when working in abaca plantations, use insect repellants and mosquito nets while sleeping to avoid elephantiasis or the abnormal enlargement of limbs and genitals.
The elimination of lymphatic filariasis as a public health problem is a 20-year strategic plan for the world community, with the vision of all endemic communities free of transmission of lymphatic filariasis by 2020.
To control filariaris commonly known as elephantiasis, DoH Aklan has conducted orientations with the Municipal Health Units, Philippine National Police, Department of Education, Department of Interior and Local Government and other sectors for the mass treatment undertaken under the auspices of World Health Organization as mandated by Presidential Order No. 369.
Children aged 2 years old and above will be given Dietheylcarbamazine Citrate (DEC) and Albendazole in the municipal health centers for endemic provinces once a year for five consecutive years to eliminate lymphatic filariasis.
“FiIaria is a chronic disease transmitted by mosquitoes which would take five to 15 years to manifest. It is parasitic infection caused by microscopic, thread-like worms lodged into the lymphatic system. Among the symptoms, which could cause permanent disability, are fever and cough and swelling in the arms, legs, vagina, scrotum and breast,” Cortes said.
Cortes urged the public to wear long pants and shirts with sleeves when working in abaca plantations, use insect repellants and mosquito nets while sleeping to avoid elephantiasis or the abnormal enlargement of limbs and genitals.
The elimination of lymphatic filariasis as a public health problem is a 20-year strategic plan for the world community, with the vision of all endemic communities free of transmission of lymphatic filariasis by 2020.
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