Onchocerciasis in Nigeria: observations on the geographical basis of the endemicity in Lagos

Ninety-five patients suffering from onchocerciasis in Lagos, Nigeria have been presented. The majority were young adults with no ocular complications suggesting the Rain Forest type of African onchocerciasis. Geographical distribution shows that the majority came from endemic foci outside Lagos. The case finding of five patients from Lagos State and in particular two from Lagos City suggests an endemicity of onchocerciasis in Lagos. Furthermore this observation emphasizes a need for prevalence studies of onchocerciasis in this area. The public health importance of this disease is briefly discussed.