Health Programs

Where is lymphatic filariasis found?

Four countries — India, Indonesia, Nigeria, and Bangladesh — account for 70 percent of all lymphatic filariasis infections. There are approximately 1.1 billion people at risk for contracting lymphatic filariasis and 120 million people infected worldwide. Nigeria is the third-most endemic country in the world for the disease, with an estimated 22 million cases (see map showing prevalence of the disease).

Estimates of annual economic loss in India due to lymphatic filariasis approach $1 billion USD; the economic impact in Nigeria is unknown but is expected to be significant.