About this topic
River blindness is also called onchocerciasis. It affects the eyes and skin. Blackflies that have the infection spread it to humans by biting them. The fly bites and leaves tiny larvae under the skin. Larvae are worms that have not yet matured. Infection from the bite may start to spread inside the body in about 10 to 12 days. ‚
The larvae begin to mature into adult worms in 3 to 12 months. The worms form a lump under the skin. They may live there or inside muscles and joints. Adult worms can live inside of your body for 10 to 15 years. The adult female worm can make thousands of larvae each day. ‚
Signs may start when a large number of larvae grow inside your body. You may have very bad skin problems and may become blind. ‚
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What are the causes?
- Caused by worms called Onchocerca volvulus
- Spread by a bite of an infected blackfly
What can make this more likely to happen?
Blackflies are often found near fast flowing streams and rivers. These flies most often bite during the day. You are at a higher risk if you live or travel in remote parts like Africa, Yemen, or Mexico. Ecuador, Venezuela, and Brazil are other places where this illness is more common. It is seen more often in places where farming is common. People who travel or are missionaries are at a higher risk for this illness. ‚
What are the main signs?
- Very itchy skin rash
- A lump under the skin
- Warm, painful, and swollen skin
- Thickened, wrinkled, or darkened skin
- Red and itchy eyes
How does the doctor diagnose this health problem?
- Your doctor will take your history and do an exam.
- Your doctor will check your skin by:
- Feeling your lymph nodes for swelling
- Looking for rashes and skin discoloration
- Checking for skin changes like scaling and dryness
- Your doctor will do an eye exam using a special tool to:
- Check and look at the structures inside your eyes
- Check your eyes for any damage which could lead to blindness
- The doctor may order:
- Skin biopsy ¢ ˆ ’ Your doctor will shave or remove an area of the affected skin to be looked at under a microscope
- Blood tests ¢ ˆ ’ To check for infections
How does the doctor treat this health problem?
Your doctor may give you drugs to treat the infection. These will help to prevent long-term skin damage and blindness. Finish all drugs as prescribed. Report any side effects right away. ‚
Are there other health problems to treat?
- Eye problem due to eye pressure
- Cloudy eyesight
- Swelling of the lymph nodes
- Thinning of the layers of the skin
- Wrinkling, thickening, and swelling of the skin
- Loss of skin elasticity of the groin
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor will order drugs to: ‚
- Kill the worms inside your body
- Prevent spread of infection
- Ease itching
- Help with pain
Will there be any other care needed?
- Do not scratch itchy skin. Take a cool bath or shower to help with itching.
- Apply creams or lotions to keep skin moist and prevent dryness. Ask your doctor what is safe and best for you.
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- Protect yourself from blackflies.
- Wear long pants and shirts or jackets with long sleeves.
- Use an insect repellent when going outside.
- Be aware of when and where blackflies are most active. Stay away from fast moving water. Stay inside during the day.
- Spray insect repellent to get rid of blackflies around your home.
- Always check clothing for insects during outdoor activity.
- Avoid traveling to areas with known river blindness outbreaks.
Where can I learn more?
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ‚
http://www.cdc.gov/parasites/onchocerciasis/gen_info/faqs.html ‚
World Health Organization ‚
http://www.who.int/blindness/causes/priority/en/index3.html ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚