The World Health Organization (WHO) said studies that were published in the journal, PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases, showed that reatment with the drug ivermectin stopped further infections and transmission of river blindness in three areas of Africa in Mali and Senegal. Around 37 million people are infected which leads to loss of sight and the development of painful skin complaints. The drug, developed by Merck in 1987 kills the larvae of the parasite causing the disease. People are infected after being bitten by the black fly which carries the parasite.
저작권자 © 메디칼업저버 무단전재 및 재배포 금지