Onchocerca volvulus

Onchocerca volvulus is a parasitic worm that causes onchocerciasis, also known as river blindness. It is transmitted through bites of infected blackflies that breed near fast-flowing rivers. The worms live under the skin and form nodules, and their larvae can damage the eyes and skin. This disease can lead to severe visual impairment or blindness if not treated. It primarily affects communities in parts of Africa, Latin America, and Yemen, where blackflies are common. Control efforts include use of insecticides, community treatments, and medicine to reduce worm populations and prevent blindness.