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Published on: October 17, 2018
[Current status of chronic filariasis in Huai'an City]
1Huai'an Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Jiangsu Province, Huai'an 223001, China.
Insights
Despite decreased numbers, 616 chronic filariasis patients remain in Huai
Area of Science:
- Medical Parasitology
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Filariasis remains a significant public health concern, particularly in endemic regions.
- Understanding the current epidemiological status of chronic filariasis is crucial for targeted interventions.
- Huai'an City, Jiangsu Province, has a history of filariasis, necessitating an updated assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the current prevalence and characteristics of chronic filariasis patients in Huai'an City.
- To analyze the demographic and clinical profiles of affected individuals.
- To evaluate the existing care infrastructure and coverage for chronic filariasis patients.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of historically registered chronic filariasis patients.
- Follow-up surveys using questionnaires to capture baseline data.
- Analysis of patient demographics, clinical manifestations, and care site distribution.
Main Results:
- 616 chronic filariasis patients identified, predominantly elderly (93.2% ≥ 60 years) and female (62.8%).
- Lymphedema/elephantiasis (49.0%) and multiple symptoms (37.3%) were common; lower limb edema was prevalent.
- 81 care sites cover 567 patients, with an average of 3.2 care activities in 2018 and 18.4 years of cumulative care duration.
Conclusions:
- Chronic filariasis persists in Huai'an City, characterized by an aging population and long-term illness.
- Despite reductions, patient numbers remain substantial, highlighting the need for continued care.
- Enhanced care strategies are essential to improve the quality of life for chronic filariasis patients.
Objective:
To understand the current status of chronic filariasis patients in Huai'an City, so as to provide insights into the future care of chronic filariasis patients.
Methods:
According to the data pertaining to the historically registered chronic filariasis patients in Huai 'an City, each case was followed up and the baseline data of chronic filariasis patients were captured using questionnaire survey. The demographic and clinical features of the patients, and the distribution and coverage of the care sites were analyzed.
Results:
There were still 616 chronic filariasis patients in Huai'an City, including 229 men (37.2%) and 387 women (62.8%), and 93.2% were aged 60 years and older. The chronic filariasis patients were found across the 8 counties (districts) across the city, and the cases were predominantly detected in Lianshui (40.3%), Huaiyin (30.8%) and Yuyi (8.0%). There were 49.0% of the patients with lymphedema or elephantiasis alone, 10.2% with chyluria alone, 1.0% with hydrocele of tunica vaginalis alone, 2.4% with lymphatic inflammation or lymphadenitis alone, and 37.3% with two or more types of symptoms, respectively, and all cases with lymphedema or elephantiasis alone had the sites of edema in the lower limbs, with over 90% at stages I to III. Currently, there are 81 care sites in the city covering 567 patients. The mean number of care activities was 3.2 times in 2018, and the mean cumulative duration of caring activities was 18.4 years in the care sites.
Conclusions:
Although the number of chronic filariasis patients has remarkably decreased, the number remains high in Jiangsu Province, and the cases are characterized by high age and long course of disease. Further caring activities are required to improve the quality of life in chronic filariasis patients.
