Master of Epidemiology students from Diponegoro University (Undip) conducted field practice activities in Boyolali Regency, Central Java on May 11-12, 2023. The activity aims to investigate filariasis or elephantiasis in the region.
Filariasis is an infectious disease caused by filarial worms that spread through mosquito bites. The disease can cause swelling of the legs and other organs, and can lead to permanent disability if left untreated.
Boyolali Regency is one of the areas in Central Java that still has filariasis cases. To address this issue, a group of epidemiology master’s students collaborated with the Boyolali District Health Office to conduct a thorough investigation. They conducted house-to-house surveys to identify filariasis cases, collected blood samples for laboratory testing, and conducted interviews with local residents to understand risk factors and the level of community knowledge surrounding the disease.
This field practice activity was carried out by 12 2nd semester epidemiology master students who were members of a field work group. They collaborated with the Boyolali District Health Office and surveyed the local community to determine the number of filariasis cases in the area. They organized health education campaigns in the affected villages, providing information on how to prevent filariasis, the importance of maintaining environmental hygiene, and avoiding mosquito bites. In addition, they also provide advice on treatment and care for individuals who have been infected.
This field practice activity is also part of the government’s efforts to control and address the spread of filariasis in Indonesia. Hopefully, the results of the investigations conducted by the epidemiology master students can help the authorities to take appropriate action in dealing with filariasis cases in Boyolali.
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