Bengaluru: The state health department launched the first round of door-to-door mass administration of anti-filarial drugs this year, aiming to reach over 18.6 lakh individuals at risk of Lymphatic Filariasis (LF), also known as elephantiasis. This disease, caused by mosquito bites, is characterized by swelling in the limbs and scrotum.
Karnataka is one of the 13 LF-endemic states. The affected districts include Bagalkot, Raichur, Vijayapura, Bidar, Kalaburagi, Yadgir, Dakshina Kannada, Uttara Kannada, Udupi. These regions were chosen based on disease prevalence and microfilaria rates.