C. Mindanao folk face risk of filariasis

KORONADAL CITY — Officials of the Department of Health have expressed alarm over a scientific study showing that four provinces of Central Mindanao are now considered lymphatic filariasis-endemic areas.

Worse, more than two million people living in the 45 towns and five cities of Sarangani, North Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat and South Cotabato face risk of infection, said Dr. Abdullah Dumama Jr., DOH regional director.

Dumama led yesterday’s launch of the Filariasis Awareness and Elimination Campaign at the Provincial Technology Center here.

Filariasis, commonly known as elephantiasis, is a disease caused by worms (filariae) transmitted by mosquitoes. — Ramil Bajo