Several independent sources have indicated Haiti may be entering another period of increased lymphatic filariasis activity. This has serious implications for both Haitians and non-Haitian responders. For non-Haitian responders, this represents a possible emerging recommendation to consider for chemoprophylaxis given the relative inexperience of US physicians with this disease. Current CDC Travel Health guidance for Haiti does not mention preventive measures lymphatic filariasis aside from the use of mosquito repellent. This guidance may need to be re-examined to include specifics about this important disease.
An important consideration for responders returning to the US:
Diethylcarbamazine (DEC) is the drug of choice in the United States. The
drug kills the microfilaria and some of the adult worms. DEC has been
used world-wide for more than 50 years. Because this infection is rare
in the U.S., the drug is no longer licensed by the Food and Drug
Administration (FDA) and cannot be sold in the U.S. Physicians can
obtain the medication from CDC after confirmed positive lab results.
CDC gives the physicians the choice between 1 or 12-day treatment of DEC
(6 mg/kg/day). One day treatment is as effective as the 12 days
regimen. DEC is generally well tolerated. -CDC
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