Asymptomatic lymphatic filariasis in an elderly patient from Bako, Sarawak: A case report and public health implications

Romano, Ngui and Pangkas, Johnny and Chai, Ping Tze and Siti Farah Norasyikeen, Sidi Omar and Timothy Adrian, Jinam and Lim, Siong Hee and Khatijah, Yaman and Tan, Tiong Kai and Lim, Kai Joo and Neilson Richard, Seling and Sam Froze, Jiee (2026) Asymptomatic lymphatic filariasis in an elderly patient from Bako, Sarawak: A case report and public health implications. Tropical Biomedicine, 43 (1). pp. 22-25. ISSN 2521-9855

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Abstract

Lymphatic filariasis (LF) remains a significant public health challenge in many tropical regions where the disease is endemic. In Malaysia, LF is found in small pockets across the country. Asymptomatic carriers play a critical role in transmission but are often undetected. This report details an investigation of an asymptomatic filariasis reported by local health authorities involving an 83-year-old female patient residing in the Bako area, Sarawak. Despite being immobile due to a stroke, routine screening identified an infection with Brugia malayi through microscopy and a rapid diagnostic test. Interestingly, the patient exhibited no acute or chronic symptoms typically associated with filariasis. Contact tracing among her family members revealed that her son was also infected. Both patients received treatment with diethylcarbamazine (DEC) at a dosage of 6 mg/kg, along with albendazole 400 mg and ivermectin 12 mg. Preventive measures included health education, entomological studies, and the implementation of a ‘Test & Treat Filariasis’ program in the village. By documenting both the index case and a secondary asymptomatic case within the same household, the study provides a strong example of how routine screening and contact tracing can identify hidden sources of infection. This adds significant value to LF elimination strategies and emphasizes the importance of community-level surveillance programs. Coordinated efforts by health authorities, including contact tracing, environmental assessments, and targeted treatment, are essential for controlling the spread of LF and safeguarding public health.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Elephantiasis; mosquito-borne disease; endemic; Borneo Malaysia.
Subjects:	R Medicine > RA Public aspects of medicine > RA0421 Public health. Hygiene. Preventive Medicine
Divisions:	Academic Faculties, Institutes and Centres > Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences Faculties, Institutes, Centres > Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences
Depositing User:	Ngui
Date Deposited:	02 Apr 2026 01:36
Last Modified:	06 Apr 2026 02:32
URI:	http://ir.unimas.my/id/eprint/51741

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• Asymptomatic lymphatic filariasis in an elderly patient from Bako, Sarawak: A case report and public health implications. (deposited 01 Apr 2026 03:27)
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