Loiasis, commonly known as the African eye worm, is a condition caused by a parasitic worm called Loa loa. This worm is transmitted to humans through multiple insect bites.
Filarial worms can make their way into a host’s eyes and live there for a while. However, they don’t stay in the eyes permanently and can potentially live in other parts of the body as well. If they move to other areas, it can lead to a condition called elephantiasis, where the person’s lower limbs become severely swollen, similar to an elephant’s legs.
Aside from eye involvement, symptoms of the Loa loa worm infection include abdominal pain, skin papules, rashes, and arthritis. Treatment for this condition typically involves using anti-helminthic medicine, which is medication to combat parasitic worms.