Elephantiasis, also known as lymphatic filariasis, infects over 120 million people worldwide. It is caused by parasitic filarial worms transmitted through mosquitos that live in the lymphatic system for 6-8 years. Symptoms include swelling of the limbs and genitals. Treatment involves single doses of albendazole with ivermectin or diethylcarbamazine along with mosquito control.

2. ALSO KNOWN AS LYMPHATIC
120 MILLION ARE INFECTED
ELEPHANTIASIS
FILARIASIS
WORLDWIDE

3. elephantiasis
CAUSES:
• Elephantiasis is caused by
parasitic filarial worms that feed
off the human through the
lymphatic system TREATMENT
• These worms live for 6-8 years • Recommended single doses of
and produce millions of two medicines together:
microfilariae during their lifetime albendazole with ivermectin or
that circulate the blood. diethylcarbamazine.
• It can also be transmitted by • Mosquito control through
different types of mosquitos. insectide-treated nets or indoor
SYMPTOMS: spraying.
• The worms cause swelling in the
limbs and genitals
• These deformities can lead to
social stigmas that lead to
financial hardship and
socioeconomic burdens.

4. ASCARIASIS
807 MILLION ARE INFECTED WORLDWIDE

5. ascariasis
CAUSES:
• Ascariasis is transmitted through
the contact with soil infested with
human feces that contain ascaris TREATMENT:
eggs • Medications: albendazole,
ivermectine, mebendazole
• Surgery is also a possibility
SYMPTOMS: if the worms have caused
extreme damage.
• Swelling of abdomen
• Severe abdominal pain
• Malnutrition
• Anemia
• Impaired physical growth

6. ALSO41 MILLION ARE
KNOWN AS RIVER
ONCHOCERCIASIS
INFECTED WORLDWIDE
BLINDNESS

7. onchocerciasis
CAUSES
• Onchocerciasis is an infectious
disease of the eye spread by TREATMENT:
contact either with an infected • A drug has been developed that
person or through the bites of kills the microfilariae. It
infected blackflies. alleviates symptoms and
• It will usually occur in clusters reduces transmission.
within families and the • Spraying of blackfly breeding
community since it is spread sites
through contact.
SYMPTOMS
• Preventable blindness
• Skin rashes
Fourth leading cause of preventable
• Lesions blindness
• Itching
• Skin depigmentation

8. 576 MILLION ARE INFECTED
HOOKWORM
WORLDWIDE

9. hookworm
CAUSES:
• Hookworm is caused by an
intestinal parasite
TREATMENT:
• Medication: mebendazole,
SYMPTOMS: albendazole, levamisole,
• Abdominal discomfort and pyrantel
• Diarrhea
• Anemia • A hookworm vaccine is in
• Severe weight loss development.
• Loss of appetite
• Fatigue and weakness

10. ALSOMILLION ARE INFECTED
207 KNOWN AS SNAIL FEVER
SHISTOSOMIASIS
WORLDWIDE

11. shistosomiasis
CAUSES:
• Shistosomiasis is
transmitted through any TREATMENT:
contact with infested water • Periodic, targeted
treatment with praziquantel
SYMPTOMS:
• Swelling of the abdomen
• Kidney disease
• Liver disease
• Bladder cancer
• Enlargement of the spleen Most deadly of the NTDs
• Intestinal damage

12. 604 MILLION ARE
TRICHURIASIS
ALSO KNOWN AS WHIPWORM
INFECTED WORLDWIDE

13. trichuriasis
CAUSES: TREATMENT:
• Trichuriasis is transmitted • Medication: bendazole and
through the accidental mebendazole
consumption of contaminated
soil or unwashed vegetables • Iron supplements
fertilized in human feces.
SYMPTOMS:
• Malnutrition
• Anemia
• Swelling of the abdomen
• Physical growth retardation Children are at especially high
risk because they often play in
the dirt and soil.

14. 41 MILLION ARE INFECTED
TRACHOMA
WORLDWIDE

15. trachoma
CAUSES:
• It is caused by an organism
called Chlamydia TREATMENT:
trachomatis.
• Trachoma is transmitted • Medication: tetracycline
through the contact either eye ointment and
with an infected person or zithromax
flies.
• Like onchocerciasis, it occurs • Surgery may be required
in clusters.
SYMPTOMS:
• Itching/Irritation of the eyes World’s leading cause of
• Discharge from the eyes preventable blindness
• Blurred Vision
• Eye pain
• Preventable blindness

16. • Spread Awareness
• Donate
• Help Fundraise
50¢ can save a Life
ORGANIZATIONS:
HOW YOU CAN HELP
• The Global Network: Neglected Tropical
Diseases
• WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION
• ND FIGHTING NTDS