Onchocerciasis (River Blindness)

Onchocerciasis, commonly known as river blindness, is a parasitic infection caused by the worm Onchocerca volvulus. It spreads through bites from infected blackflies, typically found near rivers. The infection can lead to severe skin issues and, most notably, blindness due to damage in the eyes from the parasites. It's prevalent in certain tropical areas, particularly in Africa. Efforts to control the disease include community health education and mass drug administration with ivermectin, which can significantly reduce the spread and impact of the disease, ultimately helping to prevent blindness and improve quality of life for affected populations.