Filariasis, NCDPC FAQ
- What is Lymphatic Filariasis ?
- How can we protect ourselves from the disease?
- Why do we need to take the drugs for five years ?
- Who should take the mass treatment drugs ?
- Do the drugs have side effects ?
- Is it safe to take the medicines if I am sick ?
- Is it safe for pregnant women to take the MDA pills?
- Is it safe for lactating mothers ?
- When should the MDA pills be taken ?
- Who will give the drugs?
- How will the pills be delivered to us ?
- Are the MDA pills approved internationally?
- If a person given MDA pills felt some side effects, where shall he go ?
What is Lymphatic Filariasis ?
Lymphatic Filariasis is an infection caused by parasites that live inside the lymphatics. The disease is transmitted thru the bites of infected mosquitoes.
topHow can we protect ourselves from the disease?
We can protect ourselves from being infected by taking the mass treatment drugs (Diethylcarbamazine Citrate combined with Albendazole) once annually for five years. This combination drugs has filaricidal effects and additional effect on intestinal helminthes which are common among children as well as adults.
topWhy do we need to take the drugs for five years ?
The drugs should be taken for five consecutive years because it will mean long term suppression of microfilaremia . The baby filarial parasites are termed microfilaria which are found in the peripheral blood. Suppressing the microfilaremia will reduce or prevent transmission.
topWho should take the mass treatment drugs ?
People living in an established endemic areas from ages 2 years and above must take the drugs except the pregnant, very ill and the <2 yrs old.
topDo the drugs have side effects ?
There are usually mild side effects which may be felt by persons infected with filariasis. Side effects results from the death of the microfilaria of the adult parasites. Some of the most common side effects are the following, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, headache. dizziness, fever and sometimes rash. Some children may pass out worms in their stool. These side effects are transient and may be managed symptomatically.
topIs it safe to take the medicines if I am sick ?
Mild illness should not prevent a person from taking the MDA pills. However, in case of kidney or heart failure, it is better to avoid taking the drugs.
topIs it safe for pregnant women to take the MDA pills?
Although it is safe during pregnancy, treatment of pregnant women with the DEC and Albendazole should be delayed until after giving birth.
topIs it safe for lactating mothers ?
Yes, it is safe, however to avoid any incident that may be blamed to the MDA it is advised to stop breastfeeding for 72 hours after taking the pills.
topWhen should the MDA pills be taken ?
During the MDA schedule set during November of every year as stipulated in the Executive Order 369 signed by the President last October 2004.
topWho will give the drugs?
Either a health staff, personnel sellers trained volunteers or Barangay Health Workers.
topHow will the pills be delivered to us ?
It will be delivered house to house, or fixed site like a health center, health fair.
topAre the MDA pills approved internationally?
Albendazole has American Food and Drug Administration and BFAD approval as a worm treatment. DEC has been used for decades as treatment for filariasis. It has been used in the Philippines since 1950.
topIf a person given MDA pills felt some side effects, where shall he go ?
He/She may go to health centers of barangay health stations (centers) near them.
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