Onchocerciasis
Onchocerciasis
Onchocerciasis (pronounced: on-koh-ser-KY-uh-sis), also known as River Blindness, is a disease caused by the parasite Onchocerca volvulus. The disease is transmitted to humans through the bite of a blackfly (Simulium species).
Etymology
The term "Onchocerciasis" is derived from the Greek words "onkos" (meaning hook), "kirkos" (meaning ring), and "iasis" (meaning condition). It refers to the condition caused by the parasitic worm Onchocerca volvulus, which forms nodules in the skin.
Symptoms
The symptoms of Onchocerciasis include severe itching, skin lesions, and visual impairment, including blindness. The disease primarily affects the skin and eyes, hence its common name, River Blindness.
Transmission
Onchocerciasis is transmitted through the bite of infected blackflies of the Simulium species. These flies breed in fast-flowing rivers and streams, mainly in West Africa, hence the name "River Blindness".
Treatment
The primary treatment for Onchocerciasis is Ivermectin, a medication that kills the Onchocerca larvae. In some cases, surgical removal of the nodules may be necessary.
Prevention
Prevention strategies for Onchocerciasis include the use of insect repellent, wearing long sleeves and trousers, and avoiding areas where blackflies breed.
See also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Onchocerciasis
- Wikipedia's article - Onchocerciasis
This WikiMD dictionary article is a stub. You can help make it a full article.
Languages: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
Urdu,
বাংলা,
తెలుగు,
தமிழ்,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
русский,
português do Brasil,
Italian,
polski