Authorities in Napak District have raised alarms over increasing cases of elephantiasis, one of the Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs), affecting sub-counties including Nabwal, Apeitolim, Poron, Lorengecora, and Iriiri. These areas lie within the district’s wet belt, which creates a favorable environment for the mosquitoes responsible for spreading the infection.
According to the Napak Health Department, the number of reported infections has risen to 15 cases within a year and is steadily increasing. Elephantiasis, which is transmitted through mosquito bites, causes severe swelling, typically in the legs, leading to significant disability.
Timothy Teko, the Napak District Health Officer, expressed alarm over the recurrence and surge in cases. He noted that the first case was reported in Nabwal Sub-County between September and December 2023.
“The number of cases is worrying, and the situation is escalating with no immediate action taken yet,” Teko said. The district is now sensitizing communities to avoid swampy areas, which are breeding grounds for the mosquitoes that transmit the disease.
Teko reiterated that while elephantiasis is not curable, it is preventable. Community members are being encouraged to protect themselves from mosquito bites as the primary preventive measure.
The health department has reported the rising cases to the Ministry of Health and the Neglected Tropical Disease Control Program, which has pledged to assess the situation and explore intervention measures.
Planning meetings are underway to establish basic treatment protocols and referral systems to manage cases and curb further escalation. “This will also help the community understand how to manage infections and alleviate fear,” Teko explained.
The district is advocating for the upgrading of health centers and the recruitment of more human resources to manage these infections effectively.
In related news, Napak District has successfully eliminated trachoma, another disease classified under NTDs. The district health department confirmed that the community is now free from trachoma infections.
Teko attributed this success to a project led by the Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Trust in partnership with the Ministry of Health. He noted that the intervention has placed Napak among districts categorized as trachoma-free.
While celebrating this milestone, Teko urged for more concerted efforts to tackle other pressing health challenges, including elephantiasis, to improve the well-being of the district’s population.