Onchocerciasis also known as river blindness, is the world's third leading infectious cause of blindness. It is caused by Onchocerca volvulus, a nematode that can live for up to fifteen years in the human body. It is transmitted to people through the bite of a black fly. The worms spread throughout the body, and when they die, they cause intense itching and a strong immune system response that can destroy nearby tissue, such as the eye.
The primary treatment is a drug, ivermectin. For best effect, entire communities are treated at the same time. A single dose may kill first-stage larvae (microfilariae) in infected people and prevent transmission for many months in the remaining population.
About 18 million people are currently infected with this parasite; approximately 300,000 have been permanently blinded
Lizard skin is a term used to describe the thickened,
wrinkled skin changes that may result with onchocerciasis
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