For the first time using a prospective design, a study confirms the results of previous retrospective studies, which found that strengthening onchocerciasis elimination efforts decreases the incidence of epilepsy, including nodding syndrome. Therefore, this study confirms the solid epidemiological link between onchocerciasis and epilepsy. This study also shows that a community-based "Slash and Clear" vector control method can effectively decrease blackfly biting rates and potentially decrease onchocerciasis transmission. Moreover, this study shows that epilepsy is a major cause of death in onchocerciasis endemic areas with high ongoing transmission.
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epilepsy incidence
Timeframe: 4 years