Since 2023, 34 health surveys have been conducted on the sister island, and 206 people have tested positive for filariasis. According to the municipality, which discussed the issue last Tuesday with its local health committee, this represents 50% of the cases announced for Al-Nawa. To try to overcome this increase in the number of telecommunications companies, the municipality announced the launch of a POD campaign from November 18 to 30 throughout the island.
After several residents of the sister island were diagnosed with wireworms, a series of investigations began. It was related to specific neighborhoods, spread throughout all the municipalities associated with the island. These 34 surveys resulted in 206 people testing positive, or approximately 1.2% of the population. A figure revealed by the municipality on social media – which discussed the issue on Tuesday during a working meeting with the local health committee – who represents “50% of reported cases are in French Polynesia“. Concerned? Yes, because the intervention threshold set by the World Health Organization is 1%. It is enough to justify the implementation of a plan, or at least the launch of a new distribution campaign for Notezine in observed direct intake (POD). The last campaign in Moria dates back to 2013- 2014, more than 10 years ago…which is how long it takes for the disease to appear.
Remember, lymphatic filariasis is a tropical parasitic disease that has been on the radar of the French Polynesia Department of Health for several years. Commonly called elephantiasis, this disease is caused by a worm that is transmitted to humans by mosquitoes (Aedes Polynesian) – which settles in the lymphatic vessels and lymph nodes. “The infection weakens the lymphatic system and can cause abnormal enlargement of certain parts of the body, causing pain, severe disability, and social stigma.”The municipality determines in its letter addressed to all citizens ultimately concerned. The POD campaign will take place from November 18 to 30 across the island.
