Onchocerciasis, also known as river blindness, is a parasitic disease caused by the filarial worm Onchocerca volvulus. It is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected blackflies, primarily found in riverine areas of Africa and some parts of South America. The disease is characterized by severe skin itching, rashes, and eye problems that can lead to blindness. The long-term effects of the infection can significantly impact a person's quality of life and can result in permanent vision loss if left untreated. Control efforts often focus on mass drug administration of antiparasitic medications, such as ivermectin, to reduce the prevalence of the disease in affected populations.
Definition of onchocerciasis?
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