Onchocerciasis in members of an expedition to Cameroon: role of advice before travel and long term follow up
Pryce, D.; Behrens, R.; Davidson, R.; Chiodini, P.; Bryceson, A.; McLeod, J.
BMJ 304(6837): 1285-1286
1992
ISSN/ISBN: 0959-8138 PMID: 1606433 Document Number: 402577
A cluster of cases (22) of onchocerciasis contracted by members of an expedition to Cameroon in December 1988 is reported. The initial case of onchocerciasis was diagnosed 15 months after exposure. 143 young people (113 from the United Kingdom) had visited a region of endemic onchocerciasis in Cameroon for between 1 and 15 months (mean 3 months). A self administered questionnaire was sent to expedition members with a request that blood samples be tested serologically and an eosinophil count be made. Onchocerciasis was diagnosed in 22 of the 85 respondents and was treated with ivermectin. 20 positive respondents had symptoms: pruritus and rash were the most frequent. The authors emphasise that those who plan expeditions to the tropics should seek expert advice on all regional and seasonal health risks in the areas to be visited.