A Test and Treat Program for filariasis or mumu, which is caused by a parasitic worm carried by mosquitoes is underway in the territory.
It’s part of a collaborative project on the types of diseases that are prevalent in American Samoa.
The Department of Health is teaming up with the Australian National University, the Task Force for Global Health and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for the Test and Treat program which is being conducted simultaneously in schools and villages.
In schools, students in Levels 1&2 will be given a questionnaire and consent form and if the parents approve they will be tested for filariasis.
The survey is also conducted in randomly selected villages where families will be tested for the disease.
Dr. Meru Sheel of the Australian National University explains that filariasis can be dormant for a long time then reappear in a person.
The symptoms include swelling of the legs, which is known as elephantitis and inflammation of parts of the male body.
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You can obtain more information about the filiarisis test and treat program from the Tafuna Family Health Clinic at 699-6380.
