High Prevalence Of Filariasis In Myanmar-Migrant Workers From Screening Program Of A Local Hospital In A Rural District Of Southern Thailand

Background: Although the present prevalence of filariasis in the Thai population is low, migration of Myanmar labor into Thailand may increase the incidence of bancroftian filariasis. Due to the previous report, the prevalence of filariasis in Myanmar-migrant workers was very high. In this study, we reported the prevalence of lymphatic filariasis in Myanmar-migrant workers in Bangsaparn district, Prachuab Kiri Khan, a rural community in the Southern Region of Thailand with the high density of Myanmar-migrant workers as fishermen. Methods: We analyzed the data of screening for filariasis using microscopic examination among 250 Myanmar-migrant workers (169 males and 81 females) who had just stayed in Thailand for less than 1 month. Results: The microfilarial rate among these Myanmar migrants was 2.4 %. All cases were bancroftian filariasis. The microfilarial rates in males and females were 3.0% and 1.2 %, respectively. Conclusion: Since these migrants carry the parasite with high infected rate and the mosquito vector Culex quinquefasciatus is also prevalent in Thailand, Thai people are at high risk of acquiring this disease if good control and prevention strategies are not implemented. Filaria screening test as one of the infection control strategies is necessary. Presented at the Joint International Tropical Medicine Meeting 2001 Bangkok Thailand August 8 10, 2001