The Ministry of Health has clarified that 4 tablets are being administered to adults against Lymphatic Filariasis, commonly known as Elephantiasis.
Provincial Medical Officer, Abel Kabalo told Breeze News this morning that contrary to earlier information that only two tablets should be administered, those above 15 years of age are supposed to take four tablets.
Dr. Kabalo explained that the adults are being given 3 tablets of Diethyl Carbamazine and one tablet of Albendazo.
He stated that the total number of tablets being given to those between the ages of 2 to 5 years is two while those from the ages of 6 to 15 years are being given 3 tablets of the drugs.
And Dr. Kabalo says that the drugs do not have side effects that are detrimental to people’s health, stating that the benefits of taking these medicines are huge.
Some people that have taken the drugs in Chipata have complained of vomiting, experiencing body pains and feeling sleepy.
Lymphatic Filariasis is a chronic, disabling and disfiguring infection that is transmitted by Mosquitoes and may only manifest after 20 years through swelling of legs, arms and genitals.