DOH Calabarzon declares Quezon province as Filariasis-free

By Analou De Vera

The Department of Health- Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, Quezon) formally declared Quezon province as Filariasis-free.

“The health sector has achieved another victory in its fight against Filariasis. Still, we have to ensure that this status will be maintained through regular conduct of orientation for Filariasis detection and management and transmission assessment survey.” said Regional Director Eduardo Janairo.

“We will still be continuing selective treatment among individuals in areas that are found to be positive for microfilaria during the regular monitoring and surveillance,” he added.

Quezon is the 38th province in the country to achieve “Filariasis Free” status.

Lymphatic Filariasis known as “Elephantiasis,” is a chronic parasitic infection that is caused by thread-like parasitic filarial worms, which lodge in the nodes and vessels of the lymphatic system. These worms live for about 10 years producing millions of immature microfilariae that circulate in the blood, the DOH said.

Filariasis is a major parasitic infection, which continues to be a public health concern. It is transmitted through a mosquito bite of an infected person. Elephantiasis is manifested by painful, disfiguring swelling in the legs and the genital organs, which is a classic sign of the late-stage disease, it added.

Its elimination includes a mass drug administration to residents with diethylcarbamazine (DEC), “a tablet to treat the disease drug must be taken once a year for the next five years in order to eliminate the disease.”

Meanwhile, Janeiro advised residents to still continue following preventive measures such as using mosquito nets; wearing of long sleeves, pants and socks; application of insect repellents and screening of houses.

A cash grant worth P1 million was given to the Quezon province “to be used for the sustainability of its Filaria Free health program,” Janairo said.