
River blindness
Onchocerca volvulus is a cunning parasite transmitted through the bites of infected black flies. Once these malevolent insects deposit the parasite’s larvae onto your skin, they burrow into your body, making their way to your eyes and other tissues. As they mature, they release microscopic worms that invade your eyes, causing severe inflammation and irreversible damage. The consequences of River Blindness are devastating, as it leads to vision loss, intense itching, and disfiguring skin lesions. But the true horror lies in its ability to perpetuate itself, as the worms release new larvae, which are picked up by black flies, continuing the cycle of infection and torment.
To exacerbate the terror, River Blindness is a pervasive threat in many parts of Africa, particularly in remote and impoverished communities. The relentless spread of this sinister disease leaves a trail of suffering and despair in its wake. The knowledge that a tiny, seemingly innocuous parasite can infiltrate your body, invade your eyes, and steal your sight, instills a deep sense of dread. The unyielding assault of River Blindness, with its insatiable hunger for darkness and its perpetuation through black flies, serves as a chilling reminder of the vulnerability of our existence and the devastating depths of parasitic nightmares.