Elephantiasis on the increase in Kamwenge
Jan 04, 2009
ELEPHANTIASIS is on the increase in Kamwenge district. Scientifically known as lymphatic filariasis, the disease is one of the neglected tropical diseases.
By Hope Mafaranga
ELEPHANTIASIS is on the increase in Kamwenge district. Scientifically known as lymphatic filariasis, the disease is one of the neglected tropical diseases.
Joseph Wamani, the district focal person on neglected diseases, says Kamwenge has concentrated on eliminating river blindness and neglected elephantiasis.
A survey carried out in Kitagwenda county reveals that out of every 10 homesteads, seven people have swollen legs, scrotums and painful limbs due to the disease.
“The disease has been associated with witchcraft due to lack of knowledge and information,†says the district health officer, Dr. Vincent Mubangizi.
Elephantiasis is caused by a thread-like worm called wuchereria bancrfti which is transmitted by the mosquito.
Mubangizi says in women, symptoms include abnormal swelling of the breasts and private parts. Elephantiasis also affects the ears and mucus membrane.
According to the Rapid Assessment Report that was released by the Vector Control Division and health ministry in 2004, the disease was first reported in Lango (now Apac and Lira districts) in northern Uganda. But it was also common in eastern and western Uganda.
In Kihogo village, 15-year-old John Ariganyira says he has been living with the disease for three years. He says the pain is unbearable and the disease has become resistant to Ivermectin, a painkiller.
In Kakasti village, the disease has not spared children as young as five years.
Sevurini Kashaija of Kiryangabi village says eight members of his family have elephantiasis.
They all fall sick when the rainy season is approaching, but he cannot afford to treat them because Ivermectin is expensive.
The director of neglected diseases, Dr. Ambrose Onapa, says the ministry is waiting for kits from the US so that a survey is carried out.
ELEPHANTIASIS is on the increase in Kamwenge district. Scientifically known as lymphatic filariasis, the disease is one of the neglected tropical diseases.
Joseph Wamani, the district focal person on neglected diseases, says Kamwenge has concentrated on eliminating river blindness and neglected elephantiasis.
A survey carried out in Kitagwenda county reveals that out of every 10 homesteads, seven people have swollen legs, scrotums and painful limbs due to the disease.
“The disease has been associated with witchcraft due to lack of knowledge and information,†says the district health officer, Dr. Vincent Mubangizi.
Elephantiasis is caused by a thread-like worm called wuchereria bancrfti which is transmitted by the mosquito.
Mubangizi says in women, symptoms include abnormal swelling of the breasts and private parts. Elephantiasis also affects the ears and mucus membrane.
According to the Rapid Assessment Report that was released by the Vector Control Division and health ministry in 2004, the disease was first reported in Lango (now Apac and Lira districts) in northern Uganda. But it was also common in eastern and western Uganda.
In Kihogo village, 15-year-old John Ariganyira says he has been living with the disease for three years. He says the pain is unbearable and the disease has become resistant to Ivermectin, a painkiller.
In Kakasti village, the disease has not spared children as young as five years.
Sevurini Kashaija of Kiryangabi village says eight members of his family have elephantiasis.
They all fall sick when the rainy season is approaching, but he cannot afford to treat them because Ivermectin is expensive.
The director of neglected diseases, Dr. Ambrose Onapa, says the ministry is waiting for kits from the US so that a survey is carried out.