Worm Infections

River Blindness River Blindness (Onchocerciasis)(Onchocerciasis)

River bl indness is a disease caused by Onchocerca volvulus, a parasit ic worm transmitted to humans by the bite of infected black f l ies. Worm larvae that are transmitted develop into adult worms that settle in f ibrous nodules on the human body.

High risk destinations for High risk destinations for infection? infection?

How is onchocerciasis How is onchocerciasis transmitted? transmitted?

Onchocerciasis is caused by Onchocerca volvulus, a parasit ic worm that l ives for up to 14 years in the human body. It is spread through the bite of a black f ly of the Simulium damnosum species complex, which breeds in fast-f lowing rivers and streams.

When the f ly bites, it deposits the larvae of a parasit ic worm, which matures to adulthood and produces mi l l ions of t iny worms, cal led microfi laria. Adults emerge after 8-12 days and l ive for up to four weeks, during which they can cover hundreds of ki lometres in f l ight.

What are the symptoms of What are the symptoms of onchocerciasis? onchocerciasis?

When the microfi lariae migrate throughout the body and give r ise 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 debil itation and serious visual impairment, including bl indness.

How is onchocerciasis How is onchocerciasis treated? treated?

Stromectol ( Ivermectin) the safe, effective drug capable of reducing the numbers of skin microfi lariae in infected people and result ing in cl inical improvement and decreased transmission of infection. Stromectol medication is used to treat certain parasit ic roundworm infections.

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