Elephantiasis: a disease of development in north east Ghana.
A reconnaissance survey for the presence of lymphatic filariasis is made in 41 chiefdoms of north east Ghana. Four disease levels are identified culminating in hyperendemic disease foci associated with two Government-introduced rice irrigation projects. Attention is also drawn to the disease effects of small village dams. Multiple concurrent infections are noted. Within the most stricken irrigation villages, aspects of concealment, stigma and marriage are considered. Failure to control lymphatic filariasis has led to hospital avoidance and neglect of the disease jointly by patients, physicians and nurses. Culpability rests with the irrigation authority and Government health services. An outline is given of possible measures for disease control. A multisectoral policy of 'prevention before development' is strongly advocated.
Department of Geography, African Studies Center, Michigan State University, East Lansing 48824.
J M
JM
Hunter
D000383:Agriculture / Q000379:methods*; D000818:Animals; D009033:Culicidae / Q000469:parasitology; D003906:Developing Countries; D004605:Elephantiasis, Filarial / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000469:parasitology / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000635:transmission; D005869:Ghana / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D007303:Insect Vectors; D014881:Water Supply