KATHMANDU, June 28 (Xinhua) -- Over 500 Nepalis have fallen sick after taking anti-elephantiasis medicine distributed by a team of paramedics in Palpa district, local newspaper The Kathmandu Post reported on Thursday.

    In Palpa district, some 180 km west of capital Kathmandu, the villagers said the number of such patients reached 500 as of Tuesday. The patients have been admitted to local hospitals, health posts and private clinics for treatment.

    The locals after taking the drugs suffered vomiting, diarrhea and headache, while some even fell unconscious.

    According to doctors, it might be due to the improper timing ofthe intake of the medicine. They said the medicine should be taken after having breakfast or lunch.

    With a view to eradicating the disease, Nepali government had organized a campaign to distribute the anti-elephantiasis medicine to residents of 21 districts among the total 75 districts of the country last week.

    Former report on Monday said 65 persons in Dhading district, some 70 km west of capital Kathmandu, fell ill after they consumed the anti-elephantiasis medicines.

    According to World Health Organization website, elephantiasis is a disease which, in its most obvious manifestations, causes enlargement of the entire leg or arm, the genitals, vulva and breasts. It is transmitted by mosquitoes and puts at risk more than 1 billion people in more than 80 countries.