Onchocerciasis (river blindness)
About Onchocerciasis (river blindness)
Caused by a parasitic worm (Onchocerca volvulus) and is spread by the bite of an infected black fly. Infected persons may not have symptoms, but a skin rash, eye lesions and/or bumps under the skin can occur. Eye lesions can progress to blindness. The disease is found in thirty African countries, Central America, and Yemen.Symptoms
Eye pain, blurry vision, bumps on eyes, bumps on skin.Tests & Diagnostics
A history and physical exam will be performed. A slit lamp exam by an eye doctor is done. Blood tests that are used to detect the parasite proteins and antibodies to the parasite.Prescription medications
Conventional treatment summary
Ivermectin is the drug of choice in the treatment of onchocerciasis. Surgery to remove the infected skin nodules may also be performed.Medical specialties
Infectious Disease Medicine · Pediatric Infectious Disease Medicine
This page is educational content, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified clinician for diagnosis and treatment of Onchocerciasis (river blindness).