Hektoen International

A Journal of Medical Humanities

Tag: river blindness

  • Onchocerciasis, a continuing cause of blindness

    Among the various illnesses that deprive humans of their sight, onchocerciasis ranks highest. It affects millions of people in sub-Saharan Africa, as well as substantial numbers in Yemen and isolated areas of Brazil and Venezuela. Transmitted by infected blackflies that breed near fast-flowing streams and rivers, it is commonly known as “river blindness.” The disease…