Scenario of Filariasis in Murshidabad: A Survey During 2019-2023

Sajal Kumar Dey

Abstract: A comprehensive study on Filariasis in Murshidabad district, West Bengal, India reported 3,301 registered cases during 2019 to 2023, with a significant concentration of cases in Jangipur, the northern-most subdivision of the district. Jangipur alone accounted for 74.92% of the total cases, while the remaining 25.08% were distributed across the other four subdivisions: Lalbagh, Berhampore, Domkal and Kandi. This disparity in disease distribution is largely attributed to the environmental and socio-economic conditions prevalent in Jangipur. The survey also highlighted that the local population's limited or no use of mosquito nets significantly increases their vulnerability to infection. Due to this ignorance, individuals, especially in rural areas like Jangipur, are more exposed to mosquito bites, facilitating the spread of the disease. The survey data also revealed that Filariasis predominantly affects the legs, with 57.22% of patients reporting infections in this area. The legs' susceptibility is linked to their anatomical structure and the distribution of the lymphatic system. The legs have a higher concentration of lymphatic vessels, making them more prone to lymphatic obstruction and fluid accumulation, which are hallmarks of Filariasis. In Jangipur, Berhampore, and Lalbagh, 56% of infections involved the legs, while in Kandi and Domkal, 49.21% of cases were associated with hydrocele, a condition where fluid accumulates in the male gonads. Hydrocele was the second most common manifestation, affecting 39.24% of the patients. The scrotum's rich lymphatic network, closely associated with the testicles and inguinal lymph nodes, makes this area particularly vulnerable to Filariasis. In contrast, only 3.54% of infections affected the hands, which have a different lymphatic distribution and less soft tissue, making them less susceptible to the disease. Overall, the study underscores the need for targeted public health interventions in Jangipur, including improving housing conditions, enhancing drainage systems, and promoting the use of mosquito nets. Addressing these factors is crucial for reducing the prevalence of Filariasis in this high-risk area and preventing further spread of the disease across Murshidabad district.

Keywords: Lymphatic, filariasis, elephantiasis, Murshidabad, Wuchereria, Culex

How to Cite?: Sajal Kumar Dey, "Scenario of Filariasis in Murshidabad: A Survey During 2019-2023", Volume 14 Issue 11, November 2025, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 1531-1534, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=MR251121164810, DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21275/MR251121164810