Capiz holds second round of filariasis mass treatment
ROXAS CITY – The second round of mass drug administration (MDA) on filariasis is ongoing in Capiz since part of the provincewide campaign to eliminate the disease.
The MDA for filariasis was launched by the Provincial Health Office in November last year in support of Executive Order No. 369 which declared the month of November as mass treatment period for filariasis in established endemic areas.
The Department of Health has declared the province in 2009 as the 41st endemic province in the country.
“Round two of MDA will continue until about 85 percent of Capiceños have been reached,” Dr. Evelyn Bolido, medical specialist IV of the Integrated Provincial Health Office.
She said the PHO will monitor the progress of MDA that will be carried out in the province until 2013.
In November 2008, the DOH and provincial health authorities conducted a selective treatment of 41 filariasis victims from the various barangays of Tapaz as among the succeeding actions following the first ever documented filariasis cases in Capiz during a September 2008 survey.
A province-wide random deformity survey was also undertaken by the PHO in coordination with the Rural Health Units to identify and document possible filariasis cases in other towns.
Filariasis is a disease caused by worms transmitted to humans through bites of infected female mosquitoes. It may manifest as recurrent fever, enlarged lymph nodes, and urine with color similar to rice washing.
Provincial health authorities said the disease can lead to enlargement of the thigh, leg, breast or scrotum if it remains untreated.
Taking the medicines will stop the progression of the disease and prevent its transmission to others.*PIA
