Condition
Lymphatic filariasis (elephantiasis)
Medical reviewer Mr Mohamed Mohyudin, Consultant Ophthalmic SurgeonArticle reviewed
About this review
The reviewer checked the version identified in this article’s review record.
Lymphatic filariasis at a glance
- Part of the eye
- Eyelid and eye socket (orbit)
- Treatment options
- Condition group
- Retina and optic nerve
- Medical code (ICD-10)
B74
What is lymphatic filariasis?
Lymphatic filariasis is caused by thread-like worms transmitted through repeated mosquito bites. Larvae migrate to the lymphatic system, damaging vessels and causing swelling, pain and recurrent fevers in endemic communities.
Where it occurs
Endemic areas include many parts of Indonesia, India, Bangladesh, sub-Saharan Africa, Haiti and the Pacific islands. Risk rises with long-term residence in affected villages rather than short tourism.
- Rural areas with limited mosquito control
- Coastal and river communities in tropical climates
- Regions where mass drug administration programmes operate
Relation to the eyes
Eye complications are not the main feature of lymphatic filariasis. Very rarely, inflammation near facial lymphatics can cause eyelid swelling during acute episodes. The main eye-health link is programmatic: WHO integrates filariasis elimination with other neglected tropical disease work that prevents blindness.
WHO prevention
Mass drug administration with medicines such as albendazole combined with ivermectin or diethylcarbamazine, repeated annually in endemic districts, clears larvae and stops transmission. Mosquito nets and bite prevention support elimination goals.
Treatments & Surgery
Frequently asked questions
Is lymphatic filariasis common in Indonesia?
Yes in some districts, which is why Indonesia runs WHO-aligned elimination programmes with annual community treatment in endemic areas.
Does lymphatic filariasis cause blindness?
Blindness is not typical. The disease mainly affects limbs and lymphatic drainage. It is included here because WHO groups it with other preventable tropical diseases relevant to global sight programmes.
How is lymphatic filariasis prevented?
Annual mass drug administration to eligible communities, mosquito bite prevention, and treatment of acute attacks under national guidelines are the main WHO-backed strategies.
Sources for this information
These references support the information on this page. Follow the linked source for its full context.