Consider the following statements regarding Lymphatic Filariasis: It ...
Statement 1 is correct. Lymphatic filariasis is a parasitic disease caused by microscopic, thread-like roundworms. A wide range of mosquitoes can transmit the parasite, depending on the geographic area. In Africa, the most common vector is Anopheles, and, in the Americas, it is Culex quinquefasciatus. Aedes and Mansonia can transmit the infection in the Pacific and in Asia. It is a neglected tropical disease and is also called elephantiasis.
Statement 2 is incorrect. Globally 1.5 billion people are at risk of contracting the disease, out of which 600 million people are said to be in India. The disease is endemic to 256 districts across 21 states in India.
Consider the following statements regarding Lymphatic Filariasis: It ...
Lymphatic Filariasis is a vector-borne tropical parasitic disease caused by infection with the filarial worms Wuchereria bancrofti, Brugia malayi, or Brugia timori. It is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected mosquitoes. The disease is characterized by the presence of adult worms in the lymphatic system, leading to chronic lymphatic obstruction and severe swelling of the limbs or genitalia, a condition known as elephantiasis.
Statement 1: Lymphatic Filariasis is a vector-borne tropical parasitic disease.
This statement is correct. Lymphatic Filariasis is indeed a vector-borne parasitic disease, meaning it is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected mosquitoes. The mosquitoes act as vectors, carrying the filarial worms and transmitting them to humans when they bite.
Statement 2: India has been declared lymphatic filariasis free in 2019.
This statement is incorrect. India has made significant progress in the elimination of Lymphatic Filariasis, but it has not yet been declared completely free of the disease. The National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme (NVBDCP) in India has been implementing a comprehensive program for the elimination of Lymphatic Filariasis since 2004. This program includes mass drug administration, where antifilarial drugs are administered to eligible individuals in endemic areas, and mosquito control measures to reduce transmission. As a result of these efforts, the prevalence of Lymphatic Filariasis has significantly decreased in India. However, complete elimination requires sustained efforts and continued surveillance.
Therefore, the correct answer is option A: 1 only.
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