Here's how you can get elephantiasis:
1. Mosquito Bite: It is primarily transmitted through the bite of infected female mosquitoes of the *Culex* species. When these mosquitoes bite an infected person, they ingest microscopic filarial worms (specifically, *Wuchereria bancrofti* or *Brugia malayi*) present in the person's bloodstream.
2. Development in Mosquito: Inside the mosquito's body, the filarial worms undergo development and eventually mature into infective larvae called third-stage larvae.
3. Transmission to Humans: When the infected mosquito bites another person, the infective larvae are deposited onto the person's skin. The larvae penetrate the skin, usually through a puncture or abrasion, and enter the lymphatic system.
4. Migration and Maturation: Once inside the lymphatic system, the larvae develop into adult worms. Depending on the species of filarial worm, they can reside in the lymph nodes, lymphatic vessels, or deeper tissues like the scrotum in men or the breasts in women.
5. Lymphatic Damage: The adult filarial worms release substances that damage the lymphatic system. They obstruct the normal flow of lymph, causing lymphatic fluid to accumulate in the affected areas. The accumulation of fluid in the tissues is the primary cause of the swelling and thickening associated with elephantiasis.
6. Chronic Infection: These filarial worms can live for many years, causing persistent lymphatic damage and progressive swelling over time. Repeated infections with the parasites can further worsen the condition, leading to severe swelling and disfigurement of affected body parts.
It's worth noting that elephantiasis is preventable, and efforts to control and eliminate it involve strategies such as mass drug administration with anti-filarial medications, mosquito control measures, and hygiene practices to minimize exposure to mosquito bites.