Filariasis in Mainit, Iligan City, Philippines: A Case Study

Abstract

Filariasis is an infection caused by a filarial parasite known as Wuchereria bancrofti transmitted by mosquitoes. During the year 1998, there were 44 provinces in the Philippines infected with filariasis. On the year 2005, there were 645, 232 Filipinos infected and 30 Million were at risk of the disease. Despite the initiatives by the National government and NGO’s, filariasis remains the 2nd leading cause of permanent disability in the Philippines (Galvez Tan, 2015). In the community of Mainit Iligan, City, the case was first noted on 2012 with only 30 cases. By 2015, the number grew to 435. Initiatives were undertaken by the LGU, Community Council and Schools to address the problem. Given the vector of the disease, the community engaged in clean-up drive in their houses and schools. The LGU provided medications and treated mosquito nets. During the recent administration of the test, results have shown that the cases decreased to 48 as of December 15, 2015. Based on the conducted case study, the researcher concludes that the entire community has to accept the free medications provided by the LGU and should cooperate in maintaining a clean surrounding and proper hygiene to eradicate filariasis.