A recent health screening in the Wenchi Municipality has revealed a concerning prevalence of Lymphatic Filariasis, commonly known as elephantiasis (or Gyepim in the local dialect).
During the 2025 Health Annual Performance Review held on Friday, February 26, 2026, Dr. Vera Serwaa Opoku, a Postdoctoral Research Scientist at the Kumasi Center for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine (KCCR) at KNUST, disclosed that over 300 residents are currently living with the condition.
The data follows a mass screening exercise conducted by health officials to assess the impact of tropical diseases within the municipality.
A total of 4,954 individuals were screened with 328 individuals testing positive.
Speaking to journalists following the review organized by the Wenchi Municipal Health Directorate, Dr. Opoku explained that the disease is transmitted to humans through the bites of infected mosquitoes.
To combat the spread and protect the community, Dr. Opoku issued several key recommendations including
use of protected bedding.
Consistently sleep under insecticide-treated nets (ITNs), particularly during the evening and early morning when mosquito activity peaks.
She emphasized the need to remove stagnant water around homes specifically in basins, old tires, and open containers to prevent mosquitoes from breeding.
She equally urged the people to prioritize personal protection against mosquito bites as the primary line of defense.
Elephantiasis is a neglected tropical disease caused by parasitic worms.
While it is not immediately fatal, it leads to severe swelling of the limbs and genitals, often resulting in permanent disability and social stigma for those affected.
By 1960news.com
