Onchocerciasis, also known as river blindness, is a parasitic disease caused by the worm Onchocerca volvulus, transmitted through the bites of infected blackflies. It primarily affects skin and eyes, leading to severe itching, skin disfigurement, and potentially irreversible blindness if untreated.

Onchocerciasis

River blindness, or onchocerciasis, is a neglected tropical disease caused by the parasitic worm Onchocerca volvulus, transmitted through the bites of infected blackflies. It leads to severe itching, skin discoloration, and can cause irreversible blindness, primarily affecting communities near fast-flowing rivers in sub-Saharan Africa and parts of Latin America and Yemen.

River Blindness

Parasitic diseases are infections caused by parasites, which can be protozoa, helminths, or ectoparasites, and they often result in significant morbidity and mortality worldwide, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions. Effective control and prevention require a combination of public health measures, improved sanitation, and access to medical treatments, including antiparasitic drugs and vaccines.

Parasitic Disease

Onchocerca volvulus is a parasitic worm responsible for the disease known as river blindness, primarily transmitted to humans through the bites of infected blackflies. This condition can lead to severe visual impairment or blindness, and it is a significant public health concern in certain tropical regions, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa.

Onchocerca Volvulus

Infected blackflies

Skin and eyes

Severe itching

Skin disfigurement refers to any alteration in the appearance of the skin that is considered abnormal or aesthetically undesirable, often resulting from conditions such as burns, scars, or congenital anomalies. It can have profound psychological and social impacts, affecting an individual's self-esteem and quality of life.

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