Why in the News?
Niger has become the first country in the African region to eliminate onchocerciasis, also known as river blindness, as recognised by World Health Organization.
Key Achievement
- Niger is the fifth country globally to halt transmission of onchocerciasis
- First country in Africa to achieve this milestone
- Official declaration made by Niger’s Minister of Public Health, Population and Social Affairs
Countries That Have Eliminated Onchocerciasis
- Niger, Colombia, Ecuador, Guatemala and Mexico
About Onchocerciasis
- Also known as river blindness
- A parasitic disease caused by Onchocerca volvulus
- Second leading infectious cause of blindness worldwide after trachoma
Mode of Transmission
- Spread through the bite of infected black flies
- Black flies breed near fast flowing rivers and streams
- Humans are infected when larvae enter the body through fly bites
Symptoms and Impact
- Severe itching and skin lesions
- Visual impairment and irreversible blindness in advanced stages
- Major cause of disability in rural communities
| [2014] Consider the following diseases:
1. Diphtheria 2. Chickenpox 3. Smallpox Which of the above diseases has/have been eradicated in India? (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 3 only (c) 1, 2 and 3 only (d) None of the above |
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