A survey of lymphatic filariasis in Yunnan-Myanmar border areas

Abstract

Objective To determine whether the cases of imported lymphatic filariasis or with microfilaria infected exist in Yunnan-Myanmar border areas,and understand the local mosquito species,the situation of the villagers who get in/out of the border.Methods A clue survey was carried out in all level's hospitals of Longchuan County and Yingjiang County,Yunnan Province,along Yunnan-Myanmar border.In the villages where exist the patients with symptoms such as lymphedema/elephantiasis,chyluria,hydrocele,orchitis,epididymitis and spermatic cord inflammation,the blood samples of villagers were collected to detect the presence of microfilaria,mosquitoes were captured for understanding the mosquito species,and questionnaires among villagers were conducted to assess the situation of the villagers who get in/out of the border as well.Results 13 cases with symptoms mentioned above were excluded from lymphatic filariasis by People's Hospital in Yingjiang and Longchuan.In total,423 people were detected by blood smear,all the results were negative; among them 105 were from Myanmar.There were no imported lymphatic filariasis or the cases infected with microfilaria found in the local.9 781 mosquitoes were captured,the proportion of Culex,Anopheles and Armigeres mosquitoes is 90.7％(8871/9 781),7.1％ (694/9 781) and 2.2％ (216/9 781),respectively.39％ (65/164)of Chinese residents had visited Myanmar,and 98％ (161/164) of Chinese residents had not heard of lymphatic filariasis.Conclusion There were no imported lymphatic filariasis or the cases with microfilaria infected in the local in Yunnan-Myanmar border areas,but the hospital in Yunnan-Myanmar border areas still should strengthen inspection and examination for the patients with suspicious symptomsof filariasis. Key words: Yunnan-Myanmar border areas; Lymphatic Filariasis; Imported