Dibrugarh, Nov. 11: The commemoration of National Filaria Day today coincided with a caution from scientists that the situation in Assam might soon turn grim, if effective and continuous eradication programmes against the disease are not taken up.

Filaria, a parasitic disease, referred as hathipaon or godh-bemar in local language is generally spread by mosquitoes.

Based on a study conducted by the ministry of health and family welfare in 1991, A.M. Khan, senior research officer of parasitology at the Regional Medical Research Centre (Northeast region) of the Indian Council of Medical Research, said, ?Since there had not been a comprehensive study between 1991 and 2004, we can assume that the figures might have shot up.?

As per the study, Assam contributes more than 94 lakh people who are at risk of filarial infection. The study also said that Assam has 360,000 micro-filarial carriers and 90,000 diseased persons.

In a year there has been an increase of 10,000 micro-filarial carriers and both forms of lymphatic filariasis have been reported from Assam in earlier surveys.

Khan said that people living in tea gardens and adjoining areas are worst affected by the disease.He also believes that mass awareness holds the key for eradication of filaria from the state.