DISEASE SCANNER
Global Incurable Diseases Tracker
Onchocerciasis (River Blindness)
A parasitic disease caused by the nematode worm Onchocerca volvulus, transmitted through the bites of infected blackflies. Leading cause of infectious blindness worldwide. Affects approximately 20-25 million people, primarily in sub-Saharan Africa. WHO goal is elimination by 2030.
20.0M
51
Symptoms
Treatment Options
Risk Factors
Diagnostic Methods
- 1Skin snip biopsy
- 2Serological tests
- 3PCR testing
- 4Slit-lamp examination (eye)
- 5Nodule palpation
- 6Mazzotti test (diagnostic challenge)
- 7Ophthalmoscopy
Prognosis
Good with treatment. Ivermectin prevents blindness but does not reverse existing eye damage. Lifelong treatment may be needed in endemic areas. Skin disease can improve with treatment. Elimination programs showing success. Without treatment, progressive blindness occurs.
Prevention
- Mass drug administration
- Vector control (blackfly elimination)
- Avoiding blackfly bites
- Protective clothing
- Insect repellents
- Ivermectin treatment
- Environmental management
- Community-directed treatment programs
Research Status
Ivermectin (Mectizan) is the main treatment. Mass drug administration programs highly successful. Doxycycline to kill Wolbachia bacteria (symbiont). Vector control through blackfly elimination. Moxidectin newer treatment option. Elimination feasible by 2030.
Affected Countries
Sources
- https://www.who.int/health-topics/onchocerciasis
- https://www.cdc.gov/parasites/onchocerciasis
- https://www.hematology.org/education/patients
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books
- https://rarediseases.org/rare-diseases
Medical Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult healthcare professionals for medical advice, diagnosis, and treatment.