Ndalatando – Overall 5,850 cases of neglected tropical diseases were reported in Cuanza Norte province in 2023, the head of the Provincial Department of Public Health, Francisco Manuel, told ANGOP.
Speaking about the National Deworming Campaign against Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD) that Monday in Ndalatando city, Manuel said, 3,902 cases of geo helminthiasis (intestinal parasitic diseases), 1,641 cases of schistosomiasis, 269 cases of filariasis and 38 of onchocerciasis were recorded last year.
The campaign running up March 15, aims to prevent Schistosomiasis, Oncorsecosis and Lymphatic Filariasis through the administration of praziquantel, albendazole and ivermectin tablets.
Schistosomiasis is a parasitic disease caused by the trematode Schistosoma mansoni, whose adult forms inhabit the mesenteric vessels of the definitive host (man) and the intermediate forms develop in aquatic gastropod snails of the Biomphalaria genus.
Oncocercosis is a chronic parasitic disease, also known as "river blindness" or "miner's disease", caused by the infection produced by the nematode Onchocerca volvulus, which settles in the subcutaneous tissue of those affected.
Lymphatic Filariasis (FL) is a chronic parasitic disease caused by the nematode worm Wuchereria bancrofti, also known as bancroftosis. It is transmitted through the bite of the female Culex quinquefasciatus mosquito, infected with the parasite's larvae. EFM/IMA/OHA/AMP