Preliminary observations on the occurrence of lymphatic filariasis in Cross River State, Nigeria

Abstract

A situation analysis of the occurrence of Lymphatic Filariasis (LF) in Cross River State, Nigeria, was conducted within the period November 2000 and March 2001. Information gathered from state and local Government Area (LGA) policy makers, health personnel and community key informants revealed that Lymphatic Filariasis occurred in 1 Local Government Areas:- Akamkpa, Bekwara, Biase, Boki, Etung, Ikom, Obanliku, Obubra, Obudu, Ogoja, Yala, Yakurr and Odukpani. All 19 villages mentioned as having current and past cases were visited and found to have a total of 13 current cases of lymphoedema. The cases (most farmers, all permanent residents of the village, and all within the age bracket of 28- years, complained of periodic fever, headache and chills particularly in rainy season. They had swollen limbs, usually unilateral with pain, itching, crawling sensation and tenderness. Key informants indicated that the disease had been in the village for a long time. This was confirmed by the existence of local names meaning “elephant legs” and “swollen legs” which appropriately describes the visible manifestation of Lymphatic Filariasis. The cases and key informants did not know the cause of the disease and attributed it to poison, witchcraft , bad food, bad water and violation of taboo. Most felt that traditional medicine including scarification for the purpose of “letting” blood and fluid was the best remedy. All 23 health workers interviewed had good knowledge about the proper remedy. Adequate number of health facilities and personnel exist at state, LGA and community levels. A total of 58 Doctors, 16 pharmacist, 1790 nurses and 1100 community Health Extension Workers (CHEWs) are employed by the State
Government. These exclude health personnel working in private health facilities in the state. Two tertiary, 84 secondary and 485 primary health facilities exist in the state, twelve of which are equipped with surgery facilities. Twelve of the 19 villages visited have primary health care Canters/Pos. lymphatic Filariasis is not listed separate from other filariasis as a notifiable disease. There are therefore no records of the disease and plan for its control at any level. Having confirming the presence f lymphatic filariasis in Cross River State, it is necessary to conduct a survey to determine prevalence of the disease in all communities in he State and subsequently commence intervention (chemotherapy and morbidity control). Information gathered in this study and future Filariasis control programme in Nigeria.

The Nigerian Journal of Parasitology Vol 24 2003: 9-16