OUTBREAK OF BANCROFTIAN FILARIASIS AMONG TROOPS AT AN ARMED FORCES STATION

A large number of microfilaria (MF) positive cases were reported at a Military Hospital in 1994. The epidemiological investigations included mass night blood survey, detection of sector breeding places and entomological studies. Control measures were instituted concurrently and this included treatment of positive cases, sector control measures, personal protection and health education. The mass blood survey was continued in 1995 as well to find the outcome of control measures. A total of 215 MF positive cases were detected in 1994 with MF rate of 9.63. The only MF species identified was Wuchereria bancrofti. 203% cases were in the station for less than six months. 71.3% of MF positive cases were asymptomatic. As per state health authorities, Culex quinquefasciatus was the known vector for spread of the disease in the region. However, in present study, it could not be implicated as dissection of over 200 mosquitoes of this species was negative for filarial parasite. Our study stresses the importance of close monitoring of the disease by night blood surveys and effective integrated vector control measures.