Control of onchocerciasis in Nzerem-Ikpem, Nigeria: baseline prevalence and mass distribution of ivermectin.
Data from a survey of endemicity of human onchocerciasis and subsequent mass distribution of ivermectin to control this disease in 9 villages of the Nzerem-Ikpem community in the Imo River basin of Nigeria are presented. Of the 1126 persons examined, 46.2% were positive for skin microfilarial, 29.2% for leopard skin, 34.2% for palpable subcutaneous nodules and 14.8% for various types of onchodermatitis. Ivermectin was distributed to a total of 1934 persons living in 233 households. The treatment coverage rate was 51%. 12.8% of those treated reported various mild reactions to the microfilaricide. Implications for community participation and long term sustenance of mass distribution programs are discussed.
Abanobi
O C
OC
Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, College of Health and Medical Sciences, Imo State University, Owerri, Nigeria.
Anosike
J C
JC
D000328:Adult; D003150:Community Health Workers / Q000193:education / Q000458:organization & administration; D003256:Community Participation; D019353:Endemic Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D005369:Filaricides / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006306:Health Surveys; D006699:Home Care Services / Q000458:organization & administration; D006801:Humans; D007559:Ivermectin / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009549:Nigeria / Q000453:epidemiology; D009855:Onchocerciasis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000469:parasitology / Q000473:pathology; D011159:Population Surveillance; D015995:Prevalence; D011320:Primary Health Care / Q000458:organization & administration; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D005369:Filaricides; D007559:Ivermectin