The incidence of filariasis in Port Louis, Mauritius

Abstract

The filarial infection rate in 658 specimens of human blood taken in Port Louis, Mauritius, during August-September 1927, was 11.2 per cent. The helminth concerned was Filaria bancrofti. No other species of filaria was encountered. The incidence of infection was found to be higher in males than in females. No early clinical sign of infection was discovered, and microscopic examination of suitable specimens of blood was found to be the only means of early diagnosis. The infection appears to be more benign in Port Louis than in certain other parts of the world.