Why in news? Karnataka has started mass drug administration for elimination of Lymphatic Filariasis, following the launch of a nationwide Mass Drug Administration (MDA) campaign aimed at ending disease transmission of Lymphatic Filariasis (LF)

Highlights

• Karnataka is one among the 10 high-burden States of Lymphatic Filariasis in the country, focus is on selected pockets of Vijayapura, Bidar, and Kalaburagi for elimination.
• The campaign will be carried out through door-to-door administration of anti-filarial drugs in these districts, where transmission rate is more than the threshold level of one microfilaria.
• From current year, the campaign will be taken up on a mission mode to eliminate LF by 2027, three years ahead of the global target
• During the campaign, the focus will be on intensive monitoring at block level.
• Education institutions, offices, banks, industries and other congregated areas will be covered followed by coverage of household members through door-to-door visits by ASHAs and para-medical staff.

High threshold districts

• Nine endemic districts are Dakshina Kannada, Uttara Kannada, Udupi, Bagalkot, Raichur, Vijayapura, Bidar, Kalaburagi and Yadagir.

About Lymphatic Filariasis

• It is commonly known as elephantiasis, is a neglected tropical disease.
• Disease caused by parasitic worms known as filarial worms are transmitted to humans through Culex mosquitoes.
• Infection is usually acquired in childhood causing hidden damage to the lymphatic system.
• The painful and disfiguring visible manifestations of the disease, lymphoedema, elephantiasis and scrotal swelling (hydrocele) occur later in life and can lead to permanent disability.
• Diagnosis method is done through Microscopic examination of blood
• These patients are not only physically disabled, but suffer mental, social and financial losses contributing to stigma and poverty.