An effective programme for the control of filariasis in Tahiti

Abstract

An effective filariasis research and control programme has been recently established in Tahiti. This article describes the methods used for preliminary investigation of the clinical manifestations of the disease, the prevalence of the parasite and the role of the vector mosquitos. Control was effected by eliminating mosquito breeding-places and administering diethylcarbamazine to the population. An estimate is made of the costs and comparative value of the various procedures which were tried.