Definition:
The medical term for this condition is Onchocerciasis which is the world's second most leading infectious cause of blindness. Basically it is a skin and eye infection which is caused by the helmith (worm) Onchocerca volvulus. The black fly that carries the worm is only seen in parts of Africa, South America and Middle East.
Diagnosis:
Direct visualization of the larvae emerging from superficial skin biopsies is performed. In some instances directly observing the microfilariae using a slit lamp when transferring into the anterior chamber of the eye is done.
Treatment:
Anti-helminth medication - ivermectin
Oral prednisolone to be taken for 2-3 days if severe allergic reaction occurs
Symptoms and Signs:
Here are some known symptoms of river blindness:
Extreme itching
Nodules in the skin
Hives-like rash
Limbs are swelling
Spotty skin
Wrinkled and toughed skin
Groin lymph nodes are enlarged
Eyes are itchy and red
Cataracts
Vision is blurred or unclear
Causes:
This is caused by the Onchocerca volvulus, a nematode that can live for up to fifteen years in the human body. This is acquired through the bite of a black fly. The worms acquired from the bite of the fly then spreads to the body and when it dies they cause severe itching and strong immune system response that can destroy nearby tissue like the eye.
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