Emergence of new foci of filariasis in Madhya Pradesh, India

Background Lymphatic filariasis is a major vector-borne disease and India bears 81% of the filariasis burden in South East Asia. Screening and mass drug administration is carried out in 11 known endemic districts of Madhya Pradesh. However, regular monitoring is not carried out in non-endemic areas. Methods Cross sectional surveys were carried out to examine blood samples for filariasis. Entomological surveys were conducted for infective mosquitoes. Results Altogether, 24 of 252 samples were positive for filariasis with a mean microfilaria count of 0.8. The entomological investigations showed 7.4% infection and 1.4 % infectivity rates in vectors. Conclusion This study reveals the emergence of new foci of lymphatic filariasis in Madhya Pradesh. We conclude that filariasis surveys should be carried out in non-endemic areas of India to achieve the goal of elimination.