IPHO allays public fears on Filariasis
ROXAS CITY – Department of Health-Integrated Provincial Health Office (DOH-IPHO) dispelled stories that Filariasis is on alarming state in the town of Tapaz. It called on the people not to panic as the said disease is curable.
Earlier, reports said 41 persons from 16 barangays in Tapaz was confirmed positive of Filariasis.
Last week, when visited by this writer, the personnel of Tapaz Municipal Health Unit did not confirm the presence of Filariasis in their place saying suspected cases still need further tests.
Dr. Jarves Punsalan of IPHO said that Filariasis is not alarming since it is a curable disease that can be cured by medication.
The most spectacular symptom of lymphatic filariasis is elephantiasis or the thickening of the skin and underlying tissues—which was the first disease discovered to be transmitted by a mosquito bite. Elephantiasis is caused when the parasites lodge in the lymphatic system.
Elephantiasis affects mainly the lower extremities, whereas ears, mucus membranes, and amputation stumps are rarely affected; however, it depends on the species of filaria. W. bancrofti can affect the legs, arms, vulva, breasts, while Brugia timori rarely affects the genitals.