India, Oct. 15 -- The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has launched a two-month night blood survey to detect lymphatic filariasis, or elephantiasis, among construction workers and migrant labourers.

The survey started on Thursday with blood samples collected between 9 pm and midnight. The civic body has planned the drive despite reporting only seven old cases in Pune, which is not considered an endemic area for filariasis.

According to the civic officials, the campaign will focus on construction sites and other locations where workers stay overnight. The exercise is intended to identify any infected people early and prevent local transmission, given the large influx of migrant workers from states where the disease is more common.

A tot...