Abstract:

【Abstract】 Objective  To review the prevalence, control and elimination of filariasis in history of Chaohu City. Methods  The data were reviewed from 1970 through 1989, with regard to the massive measures conducted in Chaohu City to eliminate infectious sources and block the route for transmission of filarial worms. Results  A stratified cluster sampling test conducted in 1989 demonstrated that presence of microfilariae in the host bloodstream was overall reduced to 0.032%, and brought down under 1.0% on average in individual administrative villages, which met the basic criteria for elimination of filariasis set forth by former Ministry of Health, China. This achievement was confirmed by a survey and evaluation conducted in 1991 at provincial level. Following provincial review in 1996 confirmed that Chaohu City reached the position for overall elimination of filariasis in accordance with the criteria issued by former Ministry of Health. In a 10-year period of pathogenic monitoring and follow-up intervention, no microfilaraemia occurred throughout Chaohu areas by 2005. Although 1 348 Culex pipiens pallens were microscopically identified in some of the human dwellings, yet no human filarial worms were detected in the mosquitoes. Conclusion  Chaohu City has reached the criteria for filariasis eradication.

Key words:  Filariasis, Prevalence, Control, Elimination