The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has launched a two-month night blood survey to detect lymphatic filariasis, or elephantiasis, among construction workers and migrant labourers.
The civic body has planned the drive despite reporting only seven old cases in Pune, which is not considered an endemic area for filariasis. Lymphatic filariasis is a mosquito-borne parasitic disease caused by Wuchereria bancrofti and transmitted through the bite of infected female Culex quinquefasciatus mosquitoes. The infection often remains silent for years, with symptoms taking months or even years to develop. The disease can lead to severe and irreversible disability, including swelling of limbs, elephantiasis and genital complications, apart from causing social stigma, psychological distress and economic burden.
The survey started on Thursday with blood samples collected between 9 pm and midnight. Health experts said once the parasite enters the human body, it can take five to 18 months to mature. Adult female worms can survive in the body for 10 to 15 years, continuing disease transmission if untreated.
Dr Rajesh Dighe, assistant health chief, PMC, said, “Identifying infected people and ensuring timely treatment are important to prevent transmission in the city.
The exercise is intended to identify any infected people early and prevent local transmission, given the large influx of migrant workers from states where the disease is more common.
The campaign will focus on construction sites and other locations where workers stay overnight, according to the civic officials.
