Onchocerciasis disease is an infection caused by the parasite Onchocerca volvulus (worm). According to the Centers for Disease Control, 17.7 million people in the world are infected with onchocerciasis.
Symptoms
According to Helen Keller International, symptoms of onchocerciasis include skin rash, extreme itching, leopard skin (depigmentation) and nodules (lumps) on the hip, head or joints. This infection can lead to severe eye problems like blindness.
Spread
Ochocerciasis is spread through the bite of an infectious blackfly containing microscopic worms, according to the CDC. The blackfly only has to inject one or two larvae to infect your body.
Epidemiology
The majority of people suffering from onchocerciasis live or have visited endemic regions. According to Helen Keller International, 34 countries in Africa, the Arabian Peninsula and Latin America are native lands for onchocerciasis.
Treatment
Ivermectin is the medication used to treat onchocerciasis. You will take this oral medication as recommended by your doctor for six to 12 months. According to the CDC, this medication does not kill the adult parasite but just stops disease progression.
Prevention
The CDC indicates that blackflies bite during the day. You should wear pants, long sleeved shirts and apply insect repellents like DEET.
