Onchocerciasis-associated limb swelling in a traveler returning from Cameroon

J Travel Med. 2006 Jan-Feb;13(1):50-3. doi: 10.1111/j.1708-8305.2006.00008.x.

Abstract

Travelers to West Central Africa are at risk for infection with Onchocerca volvulus. We describe the case of an adventurous traveler who became infected with O volvulus after a 10-day stay in rural Cameroon. Two years after his return, he was diagnosed with a 3-month history of limb swelling with pruritus and fixed edema of the right arm. He was successfully treated by a single dose of ivermectin, with an additional treatment with doxycycline. The patient was followed-up during 1 year after therapy without relapse. Such travelers experiencing unusual dermatitis syndromes should prompt evaluation for onchocerciasis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Anthelmintics / therapeutic use
  • Cameroon
  • Edema / etiology*
  • Humans
  • Ivermectin / therapeutic use
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Onchocerca volvulus / isolation & purification
  • Onchocerciasis / complications*
  • Onchocerciasis / diagnosis*
  • Onchocerciasis / drug therapy
  • Travel*
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Upper Extremity

Substances

  • Anthelmintics
  • Ivermectin