TN to achieve complete elimination of filariasis

Reports released by National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme records at least 20 districts in the State as filarial endemic and is likely to announce complete elimination of the disease after a last round of assessment next year.

Currently, districts including Chennai, Cuddalore, Kancheepuram, Kanniyakumari, Nagapattinam, Perambalur, Pudukottai, Thanjavur, Tiruvallur, Tiruvannamalai, Tiruvarur, Tiruchy, Vellore, Villupuram, Madurai, Virudhunagar, Tirunelveli, Thoothukudi, Krishnagiri and Karur were listed as filarial-endemic districts.

The State Health Department ran a mass drug administration programme from 2007 to 2014 and albendazole tablets were also distributed to those who were affected. The mass administration was stopped in 2014 after the central authorities associated with National Filaria Control Programme inspected low prevalence of the disease in Tamil Nadu.

There are 42 filaria clinics and 21 control units being run in the State by the State Health Department to check and assess the cases of filaria if any.

“Seven districts have zero prevalence of filariasis. These districts include Tiruvallur, Tiruvannamalai, Vellore, Kancheepuram, Villupuram, Nagapattinam and Tirunelveli,” said Dr Vadivelan Palaniswamy, additional director of public health.

A transmission assessment survey is being conducted every two years in three phases to ensure its elimination. “The survey will be conducted in six districts out of the 20 endemic districts this year to check for any transmission of filaria, while seven districts will be surveyed next year. Two phases of the transmission assessment have been completed successfully in all the districts,” added Dr Vadivelan.

The State Health Department also conducts a micro-filarial survey to conduct laboratory tests every year to check if any vectors are existent. The patients with cases of filariasis from other States are also screened and treated in Tamil Nadu to prevent further transmission. Diethylcarbamazine (DEC) and albendazole tablets are given to those who report any symptoms.