Elephantiasis
Elephantiasis, also known as Lymphatic filariasis is a tropical disease leading to an elephant-like skin swelling of the lower limb and genitals. Infection occurs when filarial parasites (worms) are transmitted to humans through infected mosquito bites. Infection is usually acquired in childhood causing hidden damage to the lymphatic system. The changes to the body can result in social and economic problems for the affected person (often these people are named "elephant men"). The adult worms only live in the human lymphatic system. The parasite infects the lymph nodes and blocks the flow of lymph throughout the body; this results in chronic edema, most often noted in the lower torso. If untreated, the edema can grow even bigger than in the photo. There are some medications that do not kill the adult worms, but prevent the further spread of the disease until the worms die on their own. When you are in tropical countries, make sure to use bed nets to prevent mosquito bites as good as possible.
