- By Kamakshi Bishnoi
- Mon, 19 May 2025 01:36 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
The Uttar Pradesh government has initiated a Transmission Assessment Survey in 13 districts to assess and control the spread of filaria. For the first time, this survey is being conducted using the indigenous Q-Fat kit. The survey targets children aged six to seven years, testing them for filaria infection. Any child found positive will receive a 12-day medication course under the supervision of Asha workers.
State Filaria Officer Dr AK Chaudhary has directed health workers to strictly follow prescribed procedures during the survey, which runs until May 30. The cooperation of communities, especially parents, has been sought for its success. A second phase of the survey is planned after two years.
The survey covers 118 development blocks across 13 districts—Ambedkarnagar, Ayodhya, Shahjahanpur, Pilibhit, Jaunpur, Mau, Sonbhadra, Bhadohi, Ballia, Chitrakoot, Hamirpur, Jalaun, and Mahoba—divided into 72 implementation units. In each unit, children from 30 villages or schools studying in class one or two are being tested. Those who test positive will receive treatment and will be retested after six months.
Filaria causes symptoms such as fever with chills and swelling of body parts like hands, feet, male testicles, or female breasts, often unevenly affecting limbs. Prevention includes avoiding mosquito bites and yearly medication campaigns run by the government. Symptoms typically appear 10 to 15 years after infection.
Currently, approximately one lakh filaria patients reside in the state, and this survey is a crucial step toward controlling this complex disease.