GALKOT, Jan 26: Lymphatic filariasis, commonly known as Elephantiasis, has emerged as a health challenge again in Baglung. Just before the start of the 12th phase of the Elephantiasis prevention campaign, the disease was found in Narayanthan of Balewa and Kushisera of Jaimini village in the district.
The disease was believed to have been prevented after a six-year long campaign to eradicate this. But a sample test carried out recently for the prevention campaign found eight people already infected with this disease, according to the Health Office, Baglung.
Eight people in Naransthan and two others in Jaimi were found carrying the disease that leads to enlargement of limbs and body parts due to swelling of tissues. Three of the people in Naransthan have experienced a recurrence of this tropical disease.
Tests for Elephantiasis bacteria were carried out among 300 people in Narayansthan and 300 others in Kushmisera.
Even though the campaign to eradicate the elephantiasis from Nepal is in the final phase, this disease is still traced in seven districts of Nepal including Baglung, said Saroj Adhikari, Supervisor at the Infectious Disease Research and Training Centre, Hetauda. "Anti-elephantiasis drug is administered regularly for five years, and if the bacteria is not traced after five years, the campaign is deemed successful along with administration of the sixth and final dose," he said. As a result, the campaign has to be extended by two more years in Baglung.