Elephantiasis leaves him house-bound

Azman Abu Bakar has not left his house for the past seven years because of elephantiasis on his left leg.

KANGAR: For the past seven years, Azman Abu Bakar has not left his house because he has elephantiasis in his left leg.

Worse still, Azman cannot afford to take the full dosage of medicine for his illness due to his parent's meagre income.

Instead, the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia holder's family have to ration the medicine to make it last twice as long.

Each week, Azman needs RM70 for his medication. He said the RM80 he receives from the state welfare department is not enough to cover his medical expenses.

His father Abu Bakar Ahmad, a food stall owner, brings him to the Tuanku Fauziah Hospital every week for treatment.

"Doctors have referred him for treatment at the Putrajaya Hospital on June 17, but I cannot afford the trip."

Those who wish to help Azman may contact Abu Bakar at 019-4645586 or deposit money to Abu Bakar's Bank Rakyat account number 220011161320

Kasihan...

Elephantiasis is a disease that is characterized by the thickening of the skin and underlying tissues, especially in the legs and genitals. Its proper medical name is "neurofibrome".

Elephantiasis is often caused by parasitic worms such as Wuchereria bancrofti, Brugia malayi, and B. timori, all of which are transmitted by mosquitoes. Consequently, it is common in tropical regions and Africa. Obstruction of the lymphatic vessels leads to swelling in the lower torso, typically in the legs and genitals. It is not definitely known if this swelling is caused by the parasite itself, or by the immune system's response to the parasite.

Alternatively, elephantiasis may occur in the absence of parasitic infection. This nonparasitic form of elephantiasis, known as nonfilarial elephantiasis or podoconiosis, generally occurs in the mountains of central Africa. Nonfilarial elephantiasis is thought to be caused by persistent contact with volcanic ash.