Misconceptions on Lymphatic Filariasis

 A lot of misconceptions still persist among the public on Lymphatic Filariasis: Dr Narahari

Despite massive awareness campaigns on Lymphatic Filariasis, many people still have a wrong perception that Lymphatic Filariasis is highly contagious and spreads easily through casual contact.

Institute of Applied Dermatology (IAD) Director Dr S R Narahari, who developed an integrative medicine for the successful treatment of Lymphatic Filariasis after years of research, says Lymphatic Filariasis, also known as elephantiasis, is not highly contagious and does not spread through casual contact.  "It does not spread easily from person to person through contact. Lymphatic Filariasis is caused by parasitic worms transmitted through the bites of infected mosquitoes. People are afraid of this disease and stay away from people affected with it because of visible symptoms of the disease such as swollen limbs and genitalia. But these symptoms are a result of long-term infection and damage to the lymphatic system caused by the microfilaria worms that entered the body through mosquito bites rather than direct transmission," he said.

 The transmission of Lymphatic Filariasis occurs when infected mosquitoes bite humans and deposit the microscopic larvae of the parasitic worms into the skin. Over time, these larvae mature into adult worms that reside in the lymphatic vessels and disrupt the normal functioning of the immune system. As per the studies, a person needs to be bitten repeatedly by infected mosquitoes over a prolonged period to get Lymphatic Filariasis. "This happens when the disease is endemic in certain regions where culex mosquito species that carry the parasite are prevalent," he said, adding that the fight against this neglected tropical disease should begin with dispelling the misconception that Lymphatic Filariasis is highly contagious. "We need to sensitise people to avoid stigmatization and discrimination against affected individuals. By making people aware of the correct facts about the disease, we will be able to focus on effective prevention strategies, early diagnosis, and proper treatment," he said.

Though people think that there is no scope for recovery once legs become swollen and disfigured due to Lymphatic Filariasis, Dr Narahari said the surgery-free integrative medicine developed by him combining allopathy, yoga and ayurveda has become the most successful treatment for Lymphatic Filariasis. "We have been able to treat thousands of patients in the last two decades. We have a proven track record. Our patients have returned to normal life after suffering for years from this debilitating disease. Timely detection and our treatment will prevent further aggravation of the disease and recovery," he added.