Ochocerciasis (river blindness) is an illness that affects a person’s skin and eyes. It is due to the parasitic worm Onchocerca volvulus. This infection comes second for the common cause of blindness, after the illness trachoma (another infection by bacteria).
Black flies of the Simulium type that are commonly found in rivers are the main culprits for this disease, by biting the target host. However, it takes multiple bites to infect a living organism.
Currently, the only way to avoid the disease from spreading to the populace is via prevention, as there is no developed vaccine yet. Usage of insecticides, insect repellents, and proper clothing can minimize contact with the disease carrier.
Most reported cases of this illness comes from sub-Saharan Africa regions; however, there are also reports coming from Yemen and isolated locations in Central & South America. This disease is listed under the Neglected Tropical Disease (NTD) by the World Health Organization (WHO).