What Is LF? A crippling disease spread by mosquitoes and caused by thread-like nematode worms that block the lymphatic system.
Symptoms: Chronic fever along with swelling and deformity of limbs and genitalia (elephantiasis).
Can It Be Eradicated? Because the Wucheria bancrofti worms infect only humans, some experts believe that global eradication is possible using a combination of bed nets and mass drug administration.
Status: On track for ELIMINATION in many countries.
Elimination and Care
Lymphatic filariasis, sometimes abbreviated simply as LF, threatens almost one billion people around the world—from Asia to Africa to Latin America. Many of those infected by this parasitic worm suffer from severe, painful swelling of limbs or genitals, known as elephantiasis. Often victims cannot work, and their profound disfigurement is a source of intense shame and social isolation.
Since 1998, The Carter Center has been a partner in the global program to end LF. The effort was launched as a two-pronged campaign—aimed at stopping transmission and caring for those who already have the disease. With effective mass administration of the drugs ivermectin and albendazole, transmission of the disease has dropped and prospects for elimination are good.
Stopping LF — An Integrated Approach