NewsDesk @bactiman63

Health officials in South Cotabato are reporting a filariasis case in a remote sitio in Koronadal City.

Image/DOH

The individual in Sitio El Lalam, Barangay Assumption  tested positive of filariasis parasite in a nocturnal blood smearing conducted among 38 residents of the sub-village on Friday, January 20. The patient is being treated.

Teams from Integrated Provincial Health Office (IPHO) and City Health Office conducted immediate follow-up case finding and expanded nocturnal blood smearing in the area and neighboring places; no other person tested positive of the parasite.

Indoor residual spraying in all houses, initially in Sitio El Lalam, as well as vector mapping to determine the presence of mosquito species that carry the filariasis parasite are also underway.

The Province of South Cotabato was declared filariasis-free in November 2017 after the area recorded a nearly zero prevalence rate in a five-year period.

Lymphatic filariasis is a mosquito-borne, parasitic disease that can affect the lymphatic system and lead to abnormal enlargement of body parts (lymphedema (tissue swelling) or elephantiasis (skin/tissue thickening) of the limbs and, in men, hydrocele (scrotal swelling). It can cause pain and lead to permanent disfigurement and severe disability, often resulting in people losing their livelihood and suffering from stigma, anxiety and depression.