Cameroon - North-West Lymphedema Survey 2006

For this study on elephantiasis and lymphedema in North-West Cameroon, 10 communities were randomly selected to participate from two health districts in North-West Cameroon. In total, 834 individuals responded to a Knowledge, Attitudes and Perceptions questionnaire on lymphedema; 817 of these individuals were also examined for lymphedema, and 792 had blood drawn for microfilaremia testing. Of these, 139 suspected cases of lymphedema were identified, and 66 were confirmed using ultrasound. An entomological survey was also conducted on mosquitoes in the area. Based on the confirmed absence of microfilaria in insects and blood samples, these cases were diagnosed as non-filarial elephantiasis, or podoconiosis. Confirmed cases were recorded in all 10 study communities.