In addition to drug treatments, there are other preventative methods. Controlling the vector with larvacides or insecticide spraying can be effective, depending on the vector population. Insect repellent, screens around houses and bed nets are other protective measures individuals can use to prevent bites from infected mosquito vectors Reference Educational information, such as the pamphlet above, is important in communicating important management techniques to populations afflicted with elephantiasis Image Lymphangitis and other acute symptoms are often treated with antihistamines, analgesics and antibiotics.
While these treatments treat the symptoms, other treatments have been effective in treating the microfilariae. Such programs have added DEC in small amounts to table salt, and have been hugely successful in China and Tanzania Reference Another effective way to use DEC is in combination with ivermectin on an annual dosage plan.
Section Navigation. Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Syndicate. Minus Related Pages. If you live in an area with lymphatic filariasis: At night Sleep in an air-conditioned room or Sleep under a mosquito net Between dusk and dawn Wear long sleeves and trousers and Use mosquito repellent on exposed skin.
To receive email updates about this page, enter your email address: Email Address. What's this? Links with this icon indicate that you are leaving the CDC website. Linking to a non-federal website does not constitute an endorsement by CDC or any of its employees of the sponsors or the information and products presented on the website. X-rays and ultrasounds may also be done to rule out other conditions that could be causing the swelling.
People with an active infection can take medications to kill the worms in the blood. These medications stop the spread of the illness to others, but they do not completely kill off all the parasites. Other symptoms may be managed with :. Not everyone with elephantiasis will need medication. This is because they may no longer carry the worms in their system despite the presence of symptoms.
People can manage the swelling and skin infections in these cases by:. Surgery may be recommended in rare cases to remove damaged lymphatic tissue or relieve pressure in certain areas, such as the scrotum.
Some people with elephantiasis may wish to seek emotional and psychological support in the form of:. Without medical treatment, the microscopic parasites may live for years in the lymphatic system, causing destruction and damage. The lymph system is responsible for transporting excess fluid and proteins and fighting infections. Fluid builds up when it does not function correctly. The accumulation of fluid leads to swelling of the tissue and reduced immune function. Elephantiasis is a tropical disease spread through mosquito bites.
People living in affected tropical or subtropical areas are most at risk of infection. However, short-term visitors to these regions have a very low risk of getting elephantiasis or related conditions, according to the CDC. People with symptoms of the condition, including swelling and skin thickening, should see their doctor immediately. Elephantiasis symptoms can be managed through medications, lifestyle changes, and emotional support.
Mosquito repellents are an essential protection against mosquito bites. Learn how to choose the most effective repellent, and how they may prevent….
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