- There was a large drug campaign in Tanzania.
- The campaign targeted elephantiasis and its parasite.
- Elephantiasis spreads to people by mosquito bites.
- The anti-parasite drugs reduced the worm in people.
- After treatment, fewer people got new HIV infections.
- Researchers think treatment made HIV infection less likely.
- Health authorities have not added this plan widely.
- Ivermectin and albendazole are already used in many countries.
- Gains could go back if people stop treatment.
Difficult words
- elephantiasis — a disease that makes body parts swell
- parasite — a small organism that lives on another organism
- mosquito — a small flying insect that bites people
- infection — when germs enter the body and cause illnessinfections
- treatment — medical care or medicine to make people better
- researcher — a person who studies and finds informationResearchers
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Have you ever been bitten by a mosquito?
- Would you take medicine to prevent a disease?
- Do people in your country get regular treatments like this?
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