What it is: An infection with the parasitic worms Wuchereria bancrofti, Brugia malayi, or Brugia timori
How it is transmitted: Through the bite of an infected mosquito
What it does: Upon infection, the parasites develop into adult worms that reside in the lymphatic vessels, causing severe damage and swelling – called lymphoedema. A classic sign of the disease in later stage is elephantiasis, which causes disfigurement of the legs and genitals.
How it can be treated: Antifilarial drug combinations, e.g., diethyl-carbamazine citrate and albendazole, or ivermectin and albendazole.
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