Epidemiological assessment of onchocerciasis in previously unmapped villages for ivermectin distribution in Fer-Fer District, Somali Regional State, Eastern Ethiopia.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Onchocerciasis is endemic to parts of Ethiopia; however, epidemiological data are lacking in some regions. This study aimed to assess the prevalence, intensity, and risk factors of onchocerciasis in previously unmapped villages in the Fer-Fer District of the Somali Regional State, Eastern Ethiopia.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted between March and October 2023, with 422 participants aged ≥ 15 years, comprising 299 males (70.85%) and 123 females (29.15%). Skin snip biopsies were performed to detect and quantify Onchocerca volvulus microfilariae infection. Clinical examination and questionnaires were used to assess onchocerciasis-related skin diseases and their associated risk factors. Descriptive statistics, and logistic regression, analyses were perf

SUBMITTER: Yosef DK 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12128503 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature