First of all, it should be noted that in Russia this disease is not common. It is not surprising, therefore, that most doctors diagnose dirofilariasis in humans with difficulty. What does it consist of? The official name for dirofilariasis is "helminthic invasion caused by roundworms." As the main source of the disease, experts call street dogs and cats, as well as mosquitoes - insects are able to carry larvae and “implant” them under the skin. Of course, dirofilariasis, like other diseases of this kind, is most common in hot countries: in Africa, India, Vietnam. However, recently, more and more cases of infection are recorded in Russia.
Infection
As mentioned above, dirofilariasis in humans can develop after a bite of a mosquito carrier of dirofilaria larvae. Before the first symptoms appear, several months may pass - this is how long the average incubation period lasts. Naturally, not all people will guess to associate mysterious manifestations with a mosquito bite a month ago.
Symptomatology
So, how to determine that you have dirofilariasis? Symptoms of it begin with the fact that a small seal appears in the bite area. It grows and develops a larva, reliably hidden under the skin. The main feature of this parasite is its ability to migrate. So, in 24 hours the larva can cover a distance of up to 30 centimeters. Due to these “trips”, the location of the seal is constantly changing: for example, yesterday it was on the shoulder, and today it has shifted closer to the elbow. Moreover, human dirofilariasis, as a rule, is not accompanied by pain. However, many patients complain that something is crawling under their skin. In medicine, there are cases when therapists who are not familiar with this disease sent the unfortunate for a consultation with a psychiatrist. In addition, a parasite nested under the skin is often mistaken for a neoplasm, lipoma or cyst. Dirofilaria is often detected already during surgery.
Lesion areas
Dirofilariasis in humans often affects the eyes: the larva reaches the eyelid and settles there. As for the diagnosis, it is often difficult, because the number of eosinophils in the blood does not exceed the norm. Therefore, the doctor has no reason to believe that parasites are in the body.
Treatment
The only way to get rid of the larva is to remove it surgically. It must be emphasized that the use of anthelmintic drugs will not give any result.
Dirofilariasis: prevention
There is no specific prophylaxis per se. It is impossible to be completely sure that a mosquito that has bitten you is not a carrier of larvae. All you can do is use special insect sprays and try to bare your skin minimally while in nature. In order to relieve itching, you can also use drugs that relieve allergic reactions. If they are not, then a normal soda solution is suitable (they rub the affected area). Do not want to allow mosquitoes indoors? Install mosquito nets and purchase several fumigators.