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DPD Home > A-Z Index > Lymphatic Filariasis Home > Prevention

Prevention

The best way to prevent lymphatic filariasis is to avoid mosquito bites. The mosquitoes that carry the microscopic worms usually bite between the hours of dusk and dawn. If you live in an area with lymphatic filariasis:

• Sleep under a mosquito net.
• Wear long sleeves and trousers.
• Use mosquito repellent on exposed skin between dusk and dawn.

Another approach to prevention includes giving entire communities medicine that kills the microscopic worms -- and controlling mosquitoes. Annual mass treatment reduces the level of microfilariae in the blood and thus, diminishes transmission of infection. This is the basis of the global campaign to eliminate lymphatic filariasis.

 

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