Surveillance for transmission of lymphatic filariasis in Colombo and Gampaha districts of Sri Lanka following mass drug administration.

BACKGROUND

Sri Lanka was recently declared by WHO to have eliminated lymphatic filariasis as a public health problem, after conclusion of annual mass drug administration. Our aim was to assess the lymphatic filariasis situation, following mass drug administration.

METHODS

Surveillance was done in two districts of the Western Province in two consecutive phases (2009-2010 and 2013-2015), by examining 2461 thick night blood smears and performing 250 dipstick tests on children for antibodies to Brugia malayi.

RESULTS AND

CONCLUSIONS

Decline in bancroftian microfilaraemia (microfilaria rate 0.32% to zero) supports elimination, but re-emergence of brugian filariasisis (antibody rate, 1.6%; one microfilaria positive) is a cause for concern.