Investigations on the transmission potentials of Simulium damnosum and the risk of human onchocerciasis in Kaduna Metropolis, Kaduna State, Nigeria

Abstract

Onchocerciasis is transmitted to humans by the black fly, Simulium damnosum. Preliminary investigations were carried out between the months of June, 2008 and February, 2009 to verify the transmission potentials of S. damnosum for Onchocerca volvulus in a Public Amusement Park and its environs in Kaduna Metropolis of Kaduna State, Nigeria. Out of the 224 female black flies caught and dissected during the period of study, 48.21% (108/224) were found to harbor different larval stages of O. volvulus. Of the total infected flies recorded, 36.75% (68/185), 41.08% (76/185) and 22.16% (41/185) had larval stages of O. volvulus in their head, thorax and abdominal segments, respectively. The high percentage of black flies found to harbor different larval stages of O. volvulus is indicative of active transmission in and around the park. There is therefore the need for relevant Governmental agency to take a proactive step aimed at controlling the insect vector before the disease attains an epidemic proportion.