Download River Blindness (Onchocerciasis )

Worm Infections
River Blindness (Onchocerciasis)
River blindness is a disease
caused by Onchocerca
volvulus, a parasitic worm
transmitted to humans by
the bite of infected black
flies. Worm larvae that are
transmitted develop into
adult worms that settle in
fibrous nodules on the
human body.
High risk destinations for infection?
How is onchocerciasis transmitted?

Onchocerciasis is caused by Onchocerca
volvulus, a parasitic worm that lives for up
to 14 years in the human body. It is spread
through the bite of a black fly of the
Simulium damnosum species complex, which
breeds in fast-flowing rivers and streams.

When the fly bites, it deposits the larvae
of a parasitic worm, which matures to
adulthood and produces millions of tiny
worms, called microfilaria. Adults emerge
after 8-12 days and live for up to four
weeks, during which they can cover
hundreds of kilometres in flight.
What are the symptoms of onchocerciasis?
When the microfilariae migrate throughout
the body and give rise to a variety of
symptoms rashes, lesions, intense itching
and depigmentation of the skin;
lymphadenitis, which results in hanging
groins and elephantiasis of the genitals,
general debilitation and serious visual
impairment, including blindness.
How is onchocerciasis treated?
Stromectol (Ivermectin) the safe, effective
drug capable of reducing the numbers of skin
microfilariae in infected people and resulting
in clinical improvement and decreased
transmission of infection. Stromectol
medication is used to treat certain parasitic
roundworm infections.
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