ELEPHANTIASIS
Elephantiasis is a condition where parts of the body, commonly the legs or arms, swell up due to collection of fluid in the tissues.
There are several conditions that can cause extreme swelling of the limbs. However, this term is usually used to denote swelling in the limbs due blockage of the lymphatic system caused by infection with the filarial parasite. Filariasis is a worm infestation that is spread by mosquitoes. The larvae are injected by the mosquito bit after which they grow and multiply. This can block lymphatic vessels causing swelling in the limbs.
Treatment is available for filariasis which will eradicate the infection. Treatment for the swelling, however, is more difficult.