Healthcare providers prescribe Stromectol to treat parasitic infections like onchocerciasis and strongyloidiasis.
Onchocerciasis—river blindness—is transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected blackfly, found around rivers and streams in Africa, Yemen, southern parts of the Americas, and some areas of Asia. Symptoms of onchocerciasis include itchy skin rashes, bumps under the skin, severe itching, eye lesions, and visual impairment due to inflammation of the eyes, leading to permanent blindness if left untreated.
The parasitic roundworm Strongyloides causes the disease strongyloidiasis. It is transmitted to humans through contact with infected soil particles, which can be found in warm and humid areas of Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Caribbean. The parasite enters the body through skin contact and migrates to the lungs, where it causes an inflammatory reaction. Symptoms of strongyloidiasis usually range from gastrointestinal upset (abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting) to respiratory distress (shortness of breath, persistent cough). Other symptoms include rashes, fever, joint pain, and an itchy sensation in the skin. Severe cases may lead to organ damage or death if left untreated.
Importantly, ivermectin is not used for infections from viruses—like COVID-19—and bacteria.