Authorities Warn of Possible Spread of Filariasis

COLOMBO (News 1st); Health authorities are issuing warnings about a parasite that can transmit filariasis (elephantiasis) to both humans and animals.

The Director of the Anti-Filariasis Campaign of the Ministry of Health,Dr. Prasanna Serasinghe, said at a press conference yesterday that 7 patients infected with filariasis through this parasite, named Brugia malayi, have been reported within the past 5 months.

He further warned that if not properly controlled, there is a risk of it spreading across the island.