Onchocerciasis

Onchocerciasis is an infectious disease caused by a parasitic roundworm, Onchocerca volvulus. It is transmitted to humans by the bite of an infected black fly, which lives near streams and rivers. The infection is found mainly in Africa, the Middle East and some parts of South America. Symptoms of onchocerciasis include severe itching, skin rashes, and lesions, as well as bumps and nodules caused by the larvae of the parasite. In severe cases, it can lead to permanent blindness. It is one of the major causes of preventable blindness in the world. Currently, the only available treatment for onchocerciasis is topical application of medications, such as ivermectin, which kill the microfilariae and limit the spread of the disease. One of the key strategies to combat onchocerciasis is vector control, which involves introducing new breeds of fly which are not able to transmit the disease. Additionally, public health campaigns are run to create awareness about the disease and teach people about its prevention and treatment.