Symptoms you are likely to notice A high fever , headache , and other symptoms resembling malaria often accompany the infection. This inflammatory reaction to the presence of the worm also may include the painful swelling of arms, legs, the scrotum in men, and labia in women. Get prompt medical attention if you develop such a swelling after traveling in warm regions of Asia, Africa, or Central or South America. Symptoms your physician may observe Extreme swelling of the limbs usually does not occur for some years, but a physician can observe inflammation and swelling of the lymph system shortly after an initial infection. The doctor may suspect elephantiasis only if you have recently returned from a country where the disease is common, so it is important to tell the physician about recent travel.
Blood tests can confirm the diagnosis.
Treatment options Various drugs can be used to fight the infection. The drug ivermectin often works in a single dose. DEC either kills the worm or blocks its ability to reproduce. Any existing significant swelling of body parts cannot be eliminated because even after the worms are killed, the lymph ducts remain blocked. Applying pressure bandages helps reduce swelling on lower limbs.