The Risk of Lymphatic Filariasis Transmission in Belitung Regency After Elimination Program

Abstract

Belitung Regency has passsed Transmission Assessment Survey (TAS) in 2012, 2014, and 2016 respectively, which means that the Mass Drug Administration (MDA) in Belitung is being considered successful. This research has been conducted in February-November 2017, which aimed to analyze the program of filariasis elimination in Belitung Regency based on a cross-sectional approach. The design was cross-sectional study, located in Cerucuk Village (Badau Sub-district) and Kembiri Village (Membalong Sub-district) that consist of finger-prick blood survey, DNA detection of Brugiamalayi, survey of Knowledge, Attitude and Practice (KAP), mosquito sampling, reservoir blood survey and environmental survey. The results showed that there was still transmission of filariasis in Belitung Regency. The main finding is partly due to the number of people who do not take the filariasis preventive medicine during MDA program, the existence of reservoir and vector of infection which is very supportive for new transmission. A regular blood survey that combined with health promotion are required for the prevention of filariasis. The GotongRoyong activity to eliminate mosquito breeding sites needs to be done periodically. The use of mosquito net at night is a preventive from beingbitten by mosquitoes at home. The community needs efforts to protect themselves from mosquito bites during their activities in the farm.