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Onchocerciasis

Onchocerciasis, or river blindness, is an infection with the roundworm Onchocerca volvulus. Blackflies that breed beside fast-flowing rivers pass the worm’s larvae to people through bites. Most cases are recorded in sub-Saharan Africa. Yemen and Latin America also contain some endemic areas. The infection is a concern for travellers and aid workers who work near affected river systems.

Medicine used to treat Onchocerciasis

Stromectol

Ivermectin

3 · 6 · 12mg

Ivermectin is the active ingredient in Stromectol, a tablet for strongyloidiasis, scabies and onchocerciasis. You can compare the price per tablet across options.

FromUS$1.44/ tabletView

Key points

  • After a bite from an infected blackfly, larvae grow into adult worms beneath the skin.
  • Adult worms release microfilariae, which move through the skin and can cause severe itching and patchy thickening.
  • If microfilariae die inside eye tissue, inflammation may damage the cornea and lead to blindness.

How infection develops

Once larvae enter the body, they mature into adult worms that settle under the skin. Adult worms form nodules and produce microfilariae. These microscopic larvae migrate through the skin and are responsible for the itching and skin changes.

Effects on skin and eyes

Microfilariae moving through the skin cause intense itching and rashes. Over time, the skin may become thickened or lose pigment; this is sometimes called leopard skin. If microfilariae die in eye tissue, inflammation follows. The cornea can be damaged slowly, and vision loss may become permanent.

Treatment with ivermectin

Ivermectin is an antiparasitic medicine used for onchocerciasis. One oral dose clears microfilariae quickly and reduces new production for several months. Because adult worms are not killed, repeat doses are usually needed at six- to twelve-month intervals. Stromectol tablets contain ivermectin and come in 3 mg, 6 mg and 12 mg strengths. Pharmacy partners in India ship to Malaysia in discreet packaging.

When to seek medical advice

A doctor should assess anyone before treatment if the eye may be affected or the parasite load is high. Inflammation can damage the cornea and cause permanent vision loss, so possible eye involvement needs medical review.

Further reading

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