Vector control of filariasis in the Solomon Islands
Webber, R.H.
Southeast Asian Journal of Tropical Medicine and Public Health 6(3): 430-434
1975
ISSN/ISBN: 0125-1562 PMID: 3855 Document Number: 89295
In the Solomon Islands, filariasis is caused by the nocturnally periodic form of Wuchereria bancrofti and is transmitted by the same vectors as malaria , Anopheles farauti, A. punctulatus and A. koliensis. The control of this disease was explored as an additional effect of a malaria eradication program. A survey was conducted in part of the Western district measuring the microfilarial and elephantiasis rates of an area sprayed with residual insecticide for 10 yr and comparing these with another sprayed for 2 yr. In the more recently sprayed island 15% of the population had microfilariae and 0.8% elephantiasis; in the Shortland Islands 0.2% had microfilariae, but 1.8% elephantiasis. This apparent decrease of microfilaria positives in the Shortland Islands is compared with a similar situation in West Irian and a previous survey in Guadalcanal, indicating that filariasis was controlled by vector reduction alone. An alternative vector could possibly appear, apart from the unreasonable extension of residual spraying to some 10 yr; after the attack phase of the malaria eradication program, surveillance be substituted and all microfilaria positives given drug therapy.