Disease Assignment - Research

Task and Oral Presentation

ElephantiasisJarryd Bast 10 White

What is Elephantiasis?

Elephantiasis is a fairly rare disease that causes certain body body parts to swell up.

This is most common in sections of the lower half of the human body, (e.g. the legs, male genitalia) however it can occur anywhere on the body. (e.g. arms, female breasts)

Other terms are Barbados leg, Elephant leg, Lymphatic filariasis, Morbus Herculeus and Myelolymphangioma.

What is the cause of Elephantiasis?

Different types of microscopic parasitic worms that cause thickening of the skin and underlying tissues.

These worms are called Wuchereria bancrofti, Brugia malayi and Brugia timori and are carried and injected into humans by mosquitoes.

The parasite then travels in the bloodstream until it positions itself in or next to a lymphatic channel (a system of tubes that provide a fluid to tissues) and feeds on the fluid causing clots that result in extreme swelling.

What type of of disease is

Elephantiasis?

Elephantiasis is a non-contagious disease and only can be infected by worm carrying mosquitoes.

Who commonly suffers from

Elephantiasis?Both men, women and children have an equal chance of become infected by infected by Elephantiasis.

The disease is most prominent in Uganda, Tanzania, Kenya, Rwanda, Burundi, Sudan, Egypt and Ethiopia. The worst affected area is Ethiopia, where 6% of the population is affected by this.

What are the signs and symptoms of

Elephantiasis?

The most obvious is the swelling, however people have also suffered from fever, shaking chills, sweating, headaches, vomiting,

What is the treatment for Elephantiasis?

The only effective treatment is rigorous daily cleaning if the affected areas.

Can Elephantiasis be cured?

A vaccine is not yet available and their is limited treatment.

Elephantiasis Sufferers

Bibliography

http://www.oddee.com/item_84847.aspx

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elephantiasis

http://medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/elephantiasis

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lymph