Meet the man who is 'turning into an elephant'

Meet the man who is turning into an elephant - after being infected by one of the most terrifying tropical diseases more than 20 years ago.

Raimundo, from Sao Jose, in Brazil, is almost paralysed after his lymphatic system was infected by a parasite known as lymphatic filariasis.

The parasitic infection, known as Elephantiasis , is transmitted by mosquitoes.

According to River Monsters , broadcast on Animal Planet, Elephantiasis can cause horrifying and debilitating deformities.

Host Jeremy Wade said: "Perhaps this is the one I find most frigthening. Because once you've got elephantiasis - it's a life sentence.

In the programme, Jeremy meets Raimundo, a man living with the disease after being bitten 20 years ago.

His leg has since swelled to an enormous size, almost paralysing him.

But amazingly, Raimundo has been seeking treatment at a clinic in Brazil, and the size of his leg has actually started decreasing.

(Daily Mirror)