ONCHOCERCIASIS-(RIVER BLINDNESS),-CAUSES-AND-CURE-PART-(PART 2)

 ONCHOCERCIASIS (RIVER BLINDNESS), CAUSES AND CURE: PART (PART 2)

Dave Ikiedei Asei

31/01/2023

DEFINITION OF ONCHOCERCIASIS:

Onchocerciasis, also known as river blindness, is a neglected tropical disease caused by the parasite Onchocerca volvulus. It is transmitted through the bite of infected blackflies and affects mainly people living in rural areas of sub-Saharan Africa.

EFFECT ON HUMANS:

The disease causes skin itching, eye damage leading to visual impairment, and sometimes complete blindness. There is currently no cure for onchocerciasis, but the disease can be effectively managed through mass drug administration with a medication called ivermectin. This medication kills the larvae of the parasite and reduces transmission of the disease. In addition, vector control measures can help to reduce the number of infected blackflies.

EFFORTS TO CONTROL THE DISEASES:

Efforts to control and eliminate onchocerciasis are ongoing, and in some areas, the disease has been successfully reduced and even eliminated.

Onchocerciasis is a serious health problem in many developing countries, particularly in Africa. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that over 40 million people are infected with the parasite, and over half a million are visually impaired or blind as a result.

SOCIO-ECONOMIC EFFECT:

ONCHOCERCIASIS also has a significant impact on the social and economic well-being of affected communities. People with onchocerciasis may face stigma and discrimination, and their ability to work and earn a living may be severely limited.

CONTROL AND ELIMINATION EFFORTS:

The Onchocerciasis Elimination Program for the Americas (OEPA) has been successful in controlling the disease in the Americas, with several countries now declared free of onchocerciasis transmission.

However, despite these efforts, onchocerciasis remains a major public health problem in many African countries, and continued efforts are needed to control and eliminate the disease. These efforts include mass drug administration with ivermectin, vector control measures, and community-based education and awareness programs.

In conclusion, onchocerciasis is a serious disease that requires a multi-faceted approach to control and eliminate. By working together, the global health community can help to end the suffering caused by river blindness and improve the lives of affected communities.

TREATMENT OF ONCHOCERCIASIS:

The primary treatment for onchocerciasis is mass drug administration (MDA) with the medication ivermectin. This medication is safe, effective, and well-tolerated, and it has been shown to significantly reduce the intensity of infection and reduce the transmission of the parasite.

MDA is typically carried out once or twice a year, depending on the level of transmission in a given area. It is important to note that while ivermectin can kill the larvae of the parasite, it does not cure the disease itself. Therefore, MDA must be continued over long-term to keep the disease under control.

MDA, vector control measures can also play a role in controlling onchocerciasis. These measures can include using insecticide-treated bed nets, insecticide sprays, and community-wide larvicide programs to reduce the number of blackflies and limit the spread of the disease.

For people with eye involvement, treatment with topical or systemic corticosteroids may be necessary to manage symptoms and prevent further damage. In some cases, surgical removal of the nodules caused by the parasite may be necessary.

WHAT TO NOTE:

It is important to note that while ivermectin is a safe and effective treatment for onchocerciasis, it is not a cure for the disease. Therefore, ongoing MDA and vector control measures are necessary to keep the disease under control.

DENGUE, CAUSES AND TREATMENT:

Dengue is a viral illness transmitted by mosquitoes. The symptoms include high fever, headache, muscle and joint pain, and rash. In severe cases, it can lead to dengue hemorrhagic fever, which can be fatal.

There is no specific cure for dengue, but treatment focuses on relieving symptoms and supporting the patient with pain relief, fluid replacement and careful monitoring of the condition. In severe cases, hospitalization may be necessary. The best way to prevent dengue is to avoid mosquito bites and eliminate mosquito breeding sites.

TREATMENTS AVAILABLE:

There is currently no cure for dengue fever, but there are various treatments available to manage symptoms and support the patient through the illness. These include pain relief, fluid replacement, and monitoring of the patient's condition. 

In severe cases, hospitalization may be necessary for close monitoring and treatment. The best way to prevent dengue is to avoid mosquito bites and eliminate mosquito breeding sites.

PREVENTION OF DENGUE:

The best way to prevent dengue is to take steps to avoid mosquito bites and reduce the population of mosquitoes that carry the virus. 

SOME EFFECTIVE PREVENTIVE MEASURES:

USE INSECTICIDE REPELLENT:

Apply insect repellent to exposed skin, especially during peak mosquito hours (dawn and dusk).

USE PROTECTIVE REPELLENT:

There are some products you can wear that repels mosquitoes bits.

WEAR PROTECTIVE CLOTHING:

Wear long-sleeved shirts, pants, and socks to cover skin.

USE SCREENS OR CLOSE YOUR WINDOWS:

Keep mosquitoes out of the house by using screens on windows and doors.

ELIMINATE MOSQUITOES BREEDING SITES:

Remove standing water around the house, where mosquitoes lay their eggs, and replace it with fresh water every few days.

SUPPORT VECTOR CONTROL:

Support local authorities in their efforts to reduce the mosquito population through measures such as insecticide spraying.

It's important to note that there is currently no vaccine for dengue, so avoiding mosquito bites is the most effective way to prevent the disease.

To be continued.