River Blindness (Onchocerciasis)
River Blindness (Onchocerciasis) is caused by a parasite and can lead to irreversible blindness as well as dermatitis, skin atrophy and skin depigmentisation.
The Cause of River Blindness
River Blindness is particulary prevalent in African countries like Burundi, where communities travel to the local rivers. It is here that the parasitic nematode worms are transmitted to humans through the bite of the Simulium (black) Fly.
These worms, which can live in the human body for around 15 years, then migrate to the eye where they cause irreparable damage to the cornea and optic nerve.
Some who suffer from River Blindness, report being able to see the tiny parasites moving across their eye.
Prevention and Treatment of River Blindness
Mectizan kills the parasite's off-spring. Photo: CBM.
The infection can be treated, but once the blindness occurs, it is irreversible.
CBM distributes the drug Mectizan® which kills the off-spring of the adult worms and slows down their reproduction rate. This results in fewer worms reaching the eyes and the chance of becomming blind is reduced.
Reaching everyone in need of Mectizan is often very difficult and, at times, dangerous. Projects are often located in remote rural areas.
In 2007 we treated 11,136,700 onchocerciasis patients, of whom 7,697,627 were treated with Mectizan. CBM was able to do this via partnership projects and aims to continue doing so with the donations that our supporters make.
Further Reading
- Facts about River Blindness (613Kb)
CBM factsheet giving information about River Blindness.