Evaluation of cocoa oil for individual protection against Simulium damnosum s.i
Pitroipa, X.; Sankara, D.; Konan, L.; Sylla, M.; Doannio, J.M.C.; Traore, S.
Medecine Tropicale Revue du Corps de Sante Colonial 62(5): 511-516
2002
ISSN/ISBN: 0025-682X PMID: 12616944 Document Number: 549494
Thanks to larviciding and distribution of ivermectine, transmission of onchocerciasis was virtually halted in all countries covered by the WHO Onchocerciasis Control Program (OCP). However as a result of this success vector control has been stopped in most areas covered by the program and a recrudescence of files is an increasing problem. In some rural communities fly biting hinders normal agricultural activity. Since local farmers cannot afford ground larviciding, many rely on topical repellents. For this reason, development of an inexpensive method of individual protection is a major priority. The purpose of this study carried out in the savannah area of the Côte d'Ivoire was to assess the repellent properties of cocoa oil, which is frequently used in some rural areas of the Côte d'Ivoire to prevent fly biting. Results showed that cocoa oil provides excellent protection against Simulium damnosum s.l.