Human ecology and behavior in onchocerciasis control in isolated villages of Kwara State, Nigeria

In this study the prevalence of onchocerciasis is reviewed for some of the isolated villages of Kwara State, Nigeria. Human ecological factors including farming, search for water, participation in religious, recreational activities, and mode of dress were said to expose people to the bites of Simulium flies. The construction of dams and roads in isolated villages and water-resource development without attendant health-care services were said to facilitate the spread of onchocerciasis. It was recommended that primary health-care workers assist in the control of onchocerciasis by providing health education to affected communities, referring patients to tertiary health centers and alerting local, state and federal governments about rural communities in which onchocerciasis is endemic.