Filariasis, a curse to northerners

Two years ago, Asma Begum, then 18, had everything to look forward to. She was a newlywed, having married Enamul Hossain who once worked in Dubai. She was enjoying life at her in-law's home in Kundopukur village of Nilphamari sadar upazila. But a year later, she was divorced. Her husband had detected that Asma was an acute sufferer of filariasis.

Spread by mosquitoes and black flies, and caused by a species of roundworm, filariasis is a debilitating, parasitic disease. While it is treatable in its early stages, the condition often gives rise to the symptom of elephantiasis, a swelling of the limbs or other body parts such as the breast, sexual organs and scrotum.

The swelling, regularly accompanied by itching and high fevers with shivering, is unbearably painful. Moreover, the swollen body parts are unsightly and attendant sores emit a foul-smelling fluid. Sufferers displaying elephantiasis are unable to do any strenuous work at risk of permanent disability. There is no established treatment to reverse the elephantiasis, though good hygiene can help.

Lack of acceptance of her disease ended Asma's hopes for a happy family life. She was compelled to return to her childhood home. Her story is not unique; there are thousands of others.

Taslima Begum, 35, of Digoldangi village in Nilphamari sadar upazila is a mother-of-three married to a farmer, Samsul Islam, for upwards of fifteen years. Then, four years ago filariasis symptoms appeared. Her husband moved her to a separate house where she lives in isolation. He has since taken a second wife.

The Daily Star met Asma and Taslima recently at the country's lone filariasis hospital, in Dhalagachh village of Nilphamari's Saidpur upazila, where they came in search of treatment. Both termed the disease their 'curse'.

“The disease is particularly prevalent in Nilphamari, Panchagarh, Thakurgaon, Lalmonirhat and Rangpur,” says Dr Raihan Tareque, resident medical officer at the hospital. “We see up to 50 patients daily and routinely women are the worst victims since many are forced to divorce their husbands.”

Nilphamari's civil surgeon Dr Abdur Rashid agrees. “Women filariasis sufferers are especially vulnerable. The disease isn't only a health hazard but causes social vice.”

Also at the hospital was Swapna Begum, 32, the daughter of a day labourer Nur Islam from Bosontopur village in Rangpur's Bodorganj upazila. She contracted filariasis when just five years old. Due to the family's economic hardship and lack of knowledge about the disease, treatment was not forthcoming.

For many years she has been an acute sufferer. She often groans in pain. Although her parents tried to find a husband for her at a younger age, no potential bridegroom would accept her. In frustration they gave up hope, leaving Swapna most probably to live the rest of her life, alone.