What is elephantiasis?

Elephantiasis is also known as lymphatic filariasis. It is an infection that can cause swelling. Most people develop swelling in the legs, but it can also happen to the arms, breasts and genitalia. The skin can become hard and thick like an elephant’s.

It is spread by infected mosquitoes and affects millions of people in tropical and subtropical areas. Currently, you cannot catch it in Australia.

What are the symptoms of elephantiasis?

Most infected people do not have any symptoms, although the infection can still harm their lymph system and kidneys.

In people who develop symptoms, it can lead to swelling, known as lymphoedema. It usually occurs in the legs, but the arms, breasts or genitals can be affected too. Males may have a swollen scrotum, which is called a hydrocele.

Elephantiasis stops the immune system from working properly. This can lead to repeated skin infections, which can make the skin hard and thick.

Rarely, it can cause cough, shortness of breath and wheezing.

What causes elephantiasis?

Elephantiasis is caused by a parasite that is transferred through mosquito bites. When a mosquito bites an infected person, it becomes infected with the parasite. The mosquito can then transfer the infection to healthy people.

If you are bitten by an infected mosquito, tiny larvae can enter your body and travel to your lymph system, where they develop into adult worms. These worms damage your lymph system, leading to problems with draining fluid from the body. Adult worms can live for about 5 to 7 years. However, the damage to your body remains even after the worms die.

People are usually infected with the disease in childhood, but don't develop symptoms until later in life.

It usually takes many mosquito bites over several months or years in an area where the disease is common for a person to become infected. It is very rare to become infected after only visiting the area for a short time.

When should I see my doctor?

See your doctor straight away if you have spent time in an area where elephantiasis is common and you develop any swelling or thickening of your skin.

If you are planning to travel to an affected area, ask your doctor about how to keep yourself safe.

How is elephantiasis diagnosed?

Elephantiasis can be diagnosed with a blood test. However, even if someone has the disease, their test results may be negative. This is because the swelling may not start until many years after they are infected.

Sometimes an ultrasound of the lymphatic system can find adult worms moving around.

How is elephantiasis treated?

If someone has been infected, they can be treated with medicine to kill the worms. However, by the time elephantiasis develops, it is usually too late for this treatment.

If you have elephantiasis swelling, talk to your doctor about getting help from a lymphoedema therapist. They can provide specialised care and exercises to manage your swelling

If you have a swollen scrotum, surgery can help.

Can elephantiasis be prevented?

Avoiding mosquito bites is the best form of prevention. If you live in or travel to an area where the disease is common, here are some things you can do to prevent mosquito bites:

• Sleep under a mosquito net, especially during the evening and early morning hours, when mosquitoes are most active.
• Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants to cover your skin.
• Use mosquito repellent on any exposed skin.

If you have already developed elephantiasis, here are some ways you can prevent the swelling from getting worse:

• Keep the area clean by washing it with soap and water every day.
• Elevate the swollen leg or arm to drain the fluid.
• Perform exercises that get the fluid moving
• Ask your doctor to refer you to a physiotherapist for help with lymphatic drainage.
• Use antibacterial or antifungal cream on any wounds if necessary.
• Wear shoes that fit the size of your foot, to protect your foot from injury.

Complications of elephantiasis

Elephantiasis can be challenging. The symptoms of elephantiasis can cause disability.

This may not only affect your physical health, but can also bring emotional, social, and financial challenges.

Resources and support

• If you're experiencing symptoms and want advice on what to do next, call healthdirect on 1800 022 222 to speak with a registered nurse, 24 hours, 7 days a week (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria).
• For more information about lymphoedema, visit the Australasian Lymphology Association.
• For advice and to get connected to local mental health services, you can call Head to Health on 1800 595 212. Check the operating times.
• For more information about The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), visit the healthdirect website.
• Learn about the allied health professionals who work with people with disabilities. Discover how you can get support to access them.