River blindness, or onchocerciasis, is a parasitic disease caused by the filarial worm Onchocerca volvulus, transmitted through the bites of infected blackflies. The disease results in severe itching, skin rashes, and nodules under the skin. Chronic infection can lead to vision impairment and eventual blindness due to the inflammatory response to dying microfilariae in the eyes.
Symptoms
Initial symptoms include intense itching, skin rashes, and nodules under the skin.
Progression
Severe cases result in vision impairment and eventual blindness. Chronic skin lesions and persistent itching can lead to significant discomfort and skin conditions like leopard skin. The progressive vision loss ultimately leads to blindness if untreated.
Treatment
- Neem oil (insecticidal, topical application)
- Garlic (anti-parasite)
- Black Walnut Hull (to kill parasites)
- Surgical removal of skin nodules containing larvae.