filariasis

A group of parasitic diseases of warm climates, transmitted by mosquitoes, causing fever, lymph node enlargement, abscesses, epididymal inflammation, and signs of allergy; elephantiasis may result. A special type, onchocerciasis, or river blindness, leads to skin rash, eye disease, sometimes causing blindness, and muscle pains or nodules. Some cause lung disease and increased blood eosinophils. Diagnosis is by special staining of blood films and skin tests. Treatment and prevention are with diethyl-carbamine; mosquito control is needed.

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• HEALTH AND DISEASE

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