What is the treatment for lymphatic filariasis?
People infectedwith adult worms cantake a yearly dose of medicine (DEC) that kills the circulating microfilariae inthe blood. While this does not kill all the adult worms, it does prevent infected peoplefrom giving the disease to someone else. Even after the adult worms die, lymphoedema can develop. To prevent lymphoedema from getting worse by following several basic principles: • Carefully wash the swollen area with soap and water every day. • Use anti-bacterial cream on any wound. This stops bacterial infections. • Elevate and exercise the swollen arm or leg to move the fluid and improve the lymph flow.