Lymphatic Filariasis Baseline Survey in Osun State, Nigeria -

The LF Baseline Surveys were carried out in three LGAs (Sentinel Sites) of three Senatorial Districts. These are: Olorunda LGA (Ilie communities) of Osun Central Senatorial District, Ife North LGA (Akinladu community) of Osun East Senatorial District and Ejigbo (Ifeodan community) of Osun West Senatorial district. A total of 967 human blood samples and 931 mosquitoes were collected during the survey in 3 LGAs (Sentinel sites). Blood samples were collected according to WHO prescribed protocol. Thick film method was used for the examination of the mocrofileria. The parasitological result showed microfilaria (mf) prevalence (%) of 1.2 % (Ife North LGA), 1.6% (Olorunda LGA) & 1.6% (Ejigbo LGA). Pyrethrum spray sheet methods was used for collection of mosquitoes. The mosquitoes were identifies and were dissected for prevalent of Wuchereria bancrofti larval stages. The entomological result revealed that out of 931 mosquitoes collected, 725 (77.9%) were Anopheles species, 201 (21.6%) were Culex quinquefasciatus while 10(1.1%) were Mansonia Africana and their prevalence of evections were 17(2.4%), 4(1.9%) and 0(0.0%). Treatment for Onchocerciasis has been ongoing in the past 16 year in Ife north and Olorunda LGAs and 7 years in Ejigbo LGA. The results from the survey have shown that despite the number of years of treatment with ivermectin, LF transmission is ongoing in all endemic LGAs of Osun State. The big challenge of the State health workers is inadequate resources (human, materials & transport) to effectively scale-up treatment in the State. Therefore, it is recommended that the Osun State Ministry of Health collaborates with the relevant Stakeholders to ensure availability of adequate logistics to upscale LF treatment in the State.