Filariasis on the rise in Puttalam District

Health authorities warn that there is a high risk of Lymphatic filariasis, commonly known as elephantiasis, spreading in the Puttalam District.

Entomological officer of health Buddhika Chamila states that there is a higher risk of this disease spreading in the rural areas.

Furthermore, he mentioned that this situation is caused by the high proliferation of plants such as Salvinia and Water Hyacinth.

Commenting further, Mr. Chamila said: “Lymphatic Filariasis can be separated into two categories, namely rural filariasis and urban filariasis. Rural filariasis has existed since the past.”

“The mosquito species identified as ‘Mansonia’ carries out its breeding associated with the root system of plants like Salvinia and Water Hyacinth”, he said.

In addition, he also pointed out that at present, a large number of children under 5 years of age are at risk of contracting rural filariasis.

Mr. Buddhika Chamila, who expressed that the high proliferation of Salvinia and Water Hyacinth plants are a huge threat in rural areas, which enhances the possibility of mosquito breeding, also stated that the population of the disease-spreading mosquitoes can be reduced by removing such types of plants that are mostly seen in water bodies such as lakes.

“The most cases reported within the Puttalam District so far are rural filariasis”, he added.