Onchocerciasis
Onchocerciasis, also known as river blindness, is a parasitic disease caused by the filarial worm Onchocerca volvulus. It primarily affects the skin, eyes, and lymph nodes, leading to severe itching, skin lesions, and visual impairment, including blindness. In an endemic area, any person with fibrous nodules in subcutaneous tissues may be affected. Signs and Symptoms 1. Skin manifestations: Intense itching (pruritus). Skin rash, thickening, and depigmentation (leopard skin). Nodules under the skin (onchocercomas). 2. Eye lesions: Inflammation of the cornea (keratitis). Sclerosing keratitis (leading to blindness). Uveitis, glaucoma, and optic nerve atrophy. 3. Lymphatic system: Swelling of lymph nodes (lymphadenopathy). Hanging groin (due to loss of skin elasticity). Complications Permanent blindness. Severe skin disfigurement and scarring. Secondary bacterial infections due to scratching. Social stigma and psychological impact. Transmission Tra...