Black flies, also known as buffalo gnats, are notorious for their ability to transmit diseases to humans and animals. One of the most well-known diseases transmitted by black flies is onchocerciasis, a parasitic infection caused by the nematode Onchocerca volvulus. Symptoms of onchocerciasis include skin rashes, nodules under the skin, and vision loss, which can lead to blindness in severe cases.
Onchocerciasis
Onchocerciasis, also known as river blindness, is a disease caused by the parasitic worm Onchocerca volvulus, which is transmitted by infected black flies. The female black fly feeds on human blood and deposits the larvae of the Onchocerca worm, which then mature and reproduce within the human host. The adult worms can live for up to 15 years, continuously producing microfilariae (immature worms) that migrate throughout the body, causing various symptoms.
Symptoms of Onchocerciasis
The primary symptoms of onchocerciasis include:
– Skin rashes and intense itching
– The development of nodules (bumps) under the skin, often near bony prominences
– Vision impairment and, in severe cases, blindness due to the migration of the microfilariae to the eyes