Loa loa is a filarial nematode endemic to Central Africa. The resulting infection, loiasis (ICD-10 B74.3), is unappetizingly named "eyeworm disease," although it is also called "fugitive swelling," along with other local names. Infection results from a bite by an infected horse or deer fly. Once infected with the larvae, symptoms from the adult worms do not manifest for several years. The symptoms are the result of the migration of the adult worms through the victim's tissues, which can include through the liquid of the eye (which the victim can see). This migration can cause pain, swelling and urticaria in any body part through which the worms move.

The worms can live in humans for 17 years. Drug treatment can kill the microfilariae & adult worms, but, as is usually the case, avoiding infection with repellents, screens and fly management is vastly preferable.

Laulau is a traditional luau offering of pork cooked in taro leaves. There is no such Polynesian greeting.

More Info: en.wikipedia.org