PubMed · 1996 · 21 citations · 8 references
Veterinary MedicineInfectious Disease ControlInfectious DiseasesInfection PreventionParasite EpidemiologyVector-borne Disease ControlParasite DistributionParasitic Disease PreventionParasitic InfectionsSanitation PracticesSurveillance Of Parasitic DiseasesTreatmentFilariasis TreatmentImpact AssessmentParasite Prevalence StudiesParasitic Disease ManagementPer Capita ConsumptionSalt Distribution PatternsVector Infection DynamicsVector Infection Rates
DEC (diethylcarbamazine)-medicated salt, at a concentration of 0.1 to 0.2 mg per 100 mg, was given to the entire population of Karaikal (119 978) in South India for a 4-year period from 1982. The per capita consumption of DEC in medicated salt was 13.3 grams for the entire period. The prevalence of microfilaraemia declined significantly from 4.5% in 1982 to 0.14% in 1985 and 0.4% in 1993. Vector infection declined from 0.6% in 1982 to zero after two years. The mechanism of preparation and regulated distribution of DEC-medicated salt in the locality is presented. Long-term follow-up suggests that DEC-medicated salt distribution is cheap, safe and efficient for the elimination of filariasis.
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