Onchocerciasis (River Blindness)

River Blindness as it is more commonly known or Onchocerciasis is caused by the prelarval (microfilaria) and adult stages of the nematode Onchocerca volvulus The disease is transmitted by the bite of female Simulium flies (black flies) that bite by day and are found near rapidly flowing rivers and streams.

Occurrence: River Blindness is endemic in more than 25 Countries located in a broad band across the central part of Africa. Small endemic foci are also present in the Arabian peninsula (Yemen) and in South and Central America (Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Guatemala, southern Mexico, and Venezuela.

Manifestations: Symptoms are

Diagnosis and treatment: The organism is found using a microscope. Treatment is available.

Prevent River Blindness by:

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