A total of 302 people were examined in 3 villages in the Moyamba District, Sierra Leone of microfilaria (mf) and clinical signs of
Wuchereria bancrofti infection. Mf rates were 34.5% and 31.8% for Bonganema, Old Mosongo and Pelewahun respectively. The average mf rate of those examined was 34.8%. Analysed by age and sex, the highest mf rates were observed in males of age >/=21 years (46 - 56%). The relative risk of
infection was significantly lower (P<0.000) for 5-10 year olds than 11+ year old individuals. Clinical studies of 284 individuals of age >/=11 years showed that recurrent
fever was the commonest clinical sign observed and the rate was 5.9%. For the ages >/=41 years, the recurrent
fever was 10%. The average hydrocele and
elephantiasis rates were 2.5% and 1.1% respectively. For the ages >/=41 years, the hydrocele and
elephantiasis rates were 4% and 3% respectively, indicating that
Filariasis is an important public health problem in the area. Annual mass treatment of the study area residents with
ivermectin for
onchocerciasis has begun.
Ivermectin has been reported to be effective for control of
lymphatic Filariasis. The displacement of the population due to the undeclared war in the area will certainly negate the effects of the mass treatment programme.