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Lymphatic filariasis is a major vector-borne disease problem in many tropical and sub-tropical countries.

The disease is caused by three species of nemaode worms namely Wuchereria bancrofti, B.malayi and B.timori.
culex quinquefasciatus, is responsible for more than 98% of the lymphatic filarial cases in India.

Disease Burden

Socio-economic burden:
  • Lymphatic filariasis is the second leading cause of disabilityin the world.

  • Causes stigma, isolation, psychological stress and family discord among the affected individuals

  • Impairs educational and employment opportunities

  • Impedes the mobility, domestic and occupational activities

  • Recent estimates show that an ADL episode causes a loss of 3 dollars. A male chronic patient on average losses as many as 69 working days/annum

  • The treatment costs incurred by ADL patients range from RS 1 to 1000 per episode and chronic patients from 1 to Rs 800.

  • India loses also 1.2 billion man days due to LF

  • The annual economic loss is estimated to be nearly 1 billion US $ and is equivalent to 0.65% of GDP



Economic loss caused by loss of work due to lymphatic filariasis in India
Ecomonic ActivityDomestic activity
MalesFemalesFemales
Acute disease
Totla working days lost because of All ADLs(million)59.2320.4323.14
Chronic patients
Working days lost per patient per year69.021.3527.94
Total working days lost per year (millions)991.824.91101.70
Total wages lost per year (US$ millions)704.192.1143.73
Decision support tools
Environment and vector Borne Diseases
Optimization of intervention strategies