Prevalence of Oncocerca volvulus in Southern Sudan.

ABSTRACT

Onchocerciasis is endemic in southern Sudan. The prevalence in human population may range from 10% to 40%. In the Eastern Equatorial Region of Southern Sudan, more cases are found in Nimule on the Sudan-Uganda border than in rural highlands of Labone and Chukudum basins. Onchocerciasis was highest in males (with a prevalence of 70.2% based on data from hospital records)) than in females, with prevalence of 19%. Overall, prevalence of onchocerciasis in children was 10.8%.Considering cost-effectiveness, public health priorities and the security situation in this area, we recommend active search on onchocerciasis cases in the community and treatment.