Diseases
river blindness
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Overview
The disease is called river blindness because the blackfly that transmits the infection lives and breeds near fast-flowing streams and rivers, mostly near remote rural villages. The infection can result in visual impairment and sometimes blindness.
Symptoms
- severe itching
- disfiguring skin conditions
- visual impairment
- permanent blindness
Causes
- caused by the parasitic worm onchocerca volvulus, spread by the bite of an infected simulium blackfly. it is also called river blindness because the fly that transmits infection breeds in rapidly flowing streams
Risk factors
- those who live or work near streams or rivers where there are simulium blackflie
Diagnosis
- skin snip biopsy
- signs and symptoms.
Medicines used
Frequently asked questions
What is river blindness?
The disease is called river blindness because the blackfly that transmits the infection lives and breeds near fast-flowing streams and rivers, mostly near remote rural villages. The infection can result in visual impairment and sometimes blindness.
What are the symptoms of river blindness?
severe itching, disfiguring skin conditions, visual impairment, permanent blindness
What causes river blindness?
caused by the parasitic worm onchocerca volvulus, spread by the bite of an infected simulium blackfly. it is also called river blindness because the fly that transmits infection breeds in rapidly flowing streams
Which medicines are used for river blindness?
ivermectin
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