Elephantiasis

Bismillah

We went to Puskesmas Pedes today. It took about 30 minutes journey from Rengasdengklok by Angkot. We were pleasantly greeted by the staffs there to see the mass treatment of filariasis/ elephantiasis/"Untut" overall the Pedes Sub-district in order to cover the entire at-risk population. It was indeed a valueble experience to join this programme.

The Banner

The pills-Combination of Diethylcarbamazine and Albendazole.

Educate the villager on how to consume those pills. Bapak tu=Pak RT/ Ketua Kampung Desa ?? (^^

The Village...lupe nama kampung ni apa..

Filariasis/ elephantiasis/ Untut Disease

Sedikit info mengenai elephantiasis

It is caused by parasite named Wuchereria bancrofti, Brugia malayi, or B. timori and transmitted by mosquitoes. The infective form of these parasite called microfilaria (larvae) enter the bloodstream, reproduce and spread.

Elephantiasis is characterized by the gross enlargement of a limb or areas of the trunk or head. There is an abnormal accumulation of watery fluid in the tissues (edema) causing severe swelling. The skin usually develops a thickened, pebbly appearance and may become ulcerated and darkened. Fever, chills and a general feeling of ill health (malaise) may be present.

Elephantiasis may also affect the male and female genital organs. In a male, there may be enlargement of the scrotum, and the penis may be retracted under skin which has become thickened, nonelastic, hot and painful. The spermatic cords may become thickened.

The external parts of the female genital organs (vulva) may also be affected by elephantiasis. A long, tumorous mass covered by thickened and ulcerated skin may develop between the thighs. There may also be an enlargement of the lymph nodes of the legs.

The recommended regimen for treatment through mass drug administration (MDA) is a single dose of two medicines given together - albendazole (400 mg) plus either ivermectin (150-200 mcg/kg) in areas where onchocerciasis (river blindness) is also endemic or diethylcarbamazine citrate (DEC) (6 mg/kg) in areas where onchocerciasis is not endemic. These medicines clear microfilariae from the bloodstream and kill most of the adult worms.

OFF

Rengasdengklok, Karawang.

1624 WIB.