Nagpur: The Nagpur division accounts for nearly 75% of the state’s active of lymphatic filariasis cases in Maharashtra, with Chandrapur district emerging as the worst affected. According to district-wise data compiled by the state health department for the period between January and December 2025, Chandrapur alone reported 9,180 filaria cases, making it the single largest contributor to the disease burden in Maharashtra. The figures underline the persistence of the vector-borne disease in eastern Maharashtra despite years of mass drug administration and elimination efforts. Across the Nagpur division, 21,664 filaria cases were recorded during the last calendar year. Of these, 1,457 patients are suffering from hydrocele, a chronic and debilitating manifestation of the disease. Apart from Chandrapur, Nagpur district reported 4,137 cases, while Gadchiroli, with 3,010 cases, and Bhandara, with 2,752 cases, also remain high-burden districts. Wardha reported 1,914 cases, while Gondia recorded 671 cases.Health officials clarified that these patients are no longer active transmitters of the disease, as they have crossed the transmission stage. These patients suffer from lymphedema or elephantiasis, which is swelling caused by damage or blockage of the lymphatic system. It is advanced, severe form of chronic lymphedema in which generally the legs are swollen. “These are chronic cases detected over time. While they reflect disease burden, they do not pose a risk of further transmission. Preventing new infections through mass drug administration remains the priority,” a senior health official said.
