Panaji: Goa has reached the target of removing Filaria and is expected to receive certification from the center at the end of this year.
The state has not registered a new case since 2011-12.
It has recorded 96 chronic cases a decade ago.
“The elimination certificate is awaited from the center,” Health Officers responsible for the Disease Control Program are in the national vector in Goa, Dr.
Kalpana Mahatme said.
The Directorate of Health Services (DHS) has also completed the mass drug administration program (MDA).
This was done from 2004 to 2011 in the state.
“We also conducted a transmission assessment survey three times – in 2013, 2016 and 2019 – and tested children born after the settlement of MDA to determine whether there was a microphilaria in their blood sample.
All results of negative tests.
Because there are no new cases that have been Recorded, we send our details to the center, “Mahatme said.
Although there are no new cases recorded, post mda monitoring and supervision has not stopped, he said.
“In post-MDA supervision, a night blood survey was carried out where the sample was taken between 8pm and 12:00.
The night survey became close because the filaria parasites were seen in the bloodstream at night.
In the afternoon, remain hidden in the lungs, “Mahathme said.
Night surveillance, he said, became difficult because it did not work with the target population.
Health centers choose sub-center every month for surveys.
The sample composition includes 50% migrants and 50% local population.
He said that they tested migrants because they came from countries that had not yet reached the elimination stage.
“Many countries still report Filaia cases.
It takes almost 10 years for symptoms seen after microfilariant infections.
That’s why tests are repeated.
We want people to work together when our staff approaches them,” he said.
He said that the last time they found the Filaia case in Cortim among migrant workers, and one case in Colvale in migrant workers employed for sand extraction work.
Workers have come from areas that have a case of Filaria.
“They were immediately treated.
Even though it took ten years for symptoms clearly visible, some fever, but only a blood test can confirm,” he said.
In addition, 96 Chronic Filaia patients were monitored by their respective health centers.
A doctor visited them every two years and they were given a free mobility management kit, “he said.