infections
Lymphatic Filariasis
Transmission of lymphatic filariasis
Lymphatic filariasis is transmitted when an infected mosquito bites a person and deposits larvae of the worm in the skin. The larvae travel to the Overview of the Lymphatic System , where they mature. Adult worms may be 1 1/2 to 4 inches (4 to 10 centimeters) long. The adults produce millions of worm larvae (called microfilariae) that circulate in the bloodstream and lymphatic system. The infection is spread when a mosquito bites an infected person, then bites another person. 