Onchocerciasis (River Blindness)
Description
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
A history and physical exam will be performed, Direct visualization of the parasite on slit lamp exam may be done. Other methods of detection include: enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs), and polymerase chain reaction (PCR).
Treatment
Ivermectin is the drug of choice in the treatment of onchocerciasis. Surgery to remove the infected skin nodules is also performed.
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