Living with Loiasis
A parasite infection from the Loa loa worm, found in forest and savannah regions of Central and Western Africa.
Understanding Loiasis
Some people have no symptoms. Others have large, temporary swellings under the skin (Calabar swellings), itching, hives, muscle and joint pain, and tiredness. An adult worm may be seen moving under the skin or across the white of the eye ('African eye worm').
Signs & symptoms
Symptoms vary from person to person, and some people have none. GARD describes these:
- Temporary swellings under the skin (Calabar swellings)
- Itching and hives
- Muscle and joint pain
- Tiredness (fatigue)
- Worm moving under the skin
- Worm moving across the eye ('African eye worm')
Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.
Diagnosis
- 1Talk with your doctor
Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.
- 2See a specialist
Your doctor may refer you to a specialist who knows rare conditions.
- 3Ask which tests can help
Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.
Care & treatment
- Care team
- A doctor familiar with rare conditions, plus specialists as needed
- Expert care
- Ask about multidisciplinary care centers for rare conditions
- Treatment
- GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
- Research
- Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.
General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.
Everyday life
Living with a rare condition is easier with support.
- Connect with rare disease patient organizations for support
- Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
- Ask about patient registries that help research
- Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Quick facts
It is caused by the parasitic worm Loa loa. It is not described as an inherited condition.
Also known as: eyeworm disease of africa; infection by loa loa; infection caused by loa loa; loa loa infection; loasis
Patient organizations
Rare-disease groups that can help
- Global GenesRare Diseases · United States
- National Organization for Rare DisordersRare Diseases · United States
- Genetic AllianceRare Diseases · United States
- RARE FoundationRare Diseases · United States
You are more than your diagnosis
Perspectives from people navigating life with Loiasis.
Explore research for Loiasis
Explore actively recruiting Loiasis studies with HealthSpark.
Find actively recruiting studies for Loiasis with HealthSpark. Share your city to explore research near you.
- Recruiting studies from ClinicalTrials.gov
- Share your city to look for research near you
- Eligibility is confirmed by the study team
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Powered by HealthSpark, our AI chat helper · Study information from ClinicalTrials.gov · Eligibility is confirmed by the study team.
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