Mass administration of DEC-medicated salt for filariasis control in the endemic population of Karaikal, south India: implementation and impact assessment.
DEC (diethylcarbamazine)-medicated salt, at a concentration of 0.1 to 0.2 mg per 100 mg, was given to the entire population of Karaikal (119 978) in South India for a 4-year period from 1982. The per capita consumption of DEC in medicated salt was 13.3 grams for the entire period. The prevalence of microfilaraemia declined significantly from 4.5% in 1982 to 0.14% in 1985 and 0.4% in 1993. Vector infection declined from 0.6% in 1982 to zero after two years. The mechanism of preparation and regulated distribution of DEC-medicated salt in the locality is presented. Long-term follow-up suggests that DEC-medicated salt distribution is cheap, safe and efficient for the elimination of filariasis.
Reddy
G S
GS
Department of Medicine, General Hospital, Karaikal, India.
Venkateswaralu
N
N
D000818:Animals; D003465:Culex / Q000469:parasitology; D004049:Diethylcarbamazine / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D005368:Filariasis / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006801:Humans; D007194:India / Q000453:epidemiology; D007303:Insect Vectors / Q000469:parasitology; D014677:Pharmaceutical Vehicles; D012965:Sodium Chloride; D014958:Wuchereria bancrofti / Q000187:drug effects
D014677:Pharmaceutical Vehicles; D012965:Sodium Chloride; D004049:Diethylcarbamazine