“May all be happy, may all be healed, may all be at peace and may no one ever suffer."
Onchocerciasis, also known as river blindness, is a parasitic infection caused by the filarial worm Onchocerca volvulus. The infection is transmitted through the bites of infected blackflies.
Symptoms of onchocerciasis include severe itching, skin rash, and eye problems that can lead to vision loss or blindness. The infection can also cause nodules to form under the skin.
Treatment for onchocerciasis involves the use of the medication ivermectin. This medication is highly effective in killing the parasite and preventing the progression of the disease. In some cases, additional medications may be needed to treat the symptoms of the infection, such as antibiotics to treat skin infections.
Prevention of onchocerciasis involves the use of insect repellent to avoid blackfly bites, wearing protective clothing, and avoiding outdoor activities during times when blackflies are most active. Vector control measures such as insecticide-treated bed nets and larviciding may also be used to control blackfly populations in endemic areas.
Onchocerciasis is a preventable and treatable disease, and efforts are underway to control and eliminate the disease in endemic regions.