The information provided on this page is for informational purposes only. The National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) does not endorse the information presented. The content has been gathered in partnership with the MONDO Disease Ontology. Please consult with a healthcare professional for medical advice and treatment.
PrintOnchocerciasis is a form of filariasis, caused by the parasitic worm Onchocerca volvulus, transmitted by the black fly. The infection can either be asymptomatic or manifest as an ocular disease (river blindness) with itchy eyes, erythema, photophobia, onchodermatitis or onchocercal skin disease (classified into acute papular, chronic papular, lichenified, atrophic, and depigmentated) and onchocercomas (over bony prominences). Other classic clinical manifestations are ichthyosis-like lesions (”lizard skin”) and ”hanging groin”, which may be associated with lymphadenopathy.
The Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center (GARD) has information and resources for patients, caregivers, and families that may be helpful before and after diagnosis of this condition. GARD is a program of the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS), part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
View reportOrphanet has a summary about this condition that may include information on the diagnosis, care, and treatment as well as other resources. Some of the information and resources are available in languages other than English. The summary may include medical terms, so we encourage you to share and discuss this information with your doctor. Orphanet is the French National Institute for Health and Medical Research and the Health Programme of the European Union.
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