High Prevalence of Epilepsy in an Onchocerciasis-Endemic Area in Mvolo County, South Sudan: A Door-To-Door Survey

In June 2020, a door-to-door household survey was conducted in Mvolo County, an onchocerciasis-endemic area South Sudan. A total of 2357 households containing 15,699 individuals agreed to participate the study. Of these, 5046 (32.1%, 95% CI: 31.4–32.9%) had skin itching and 445 (2.8%, 2.6–3.1%) were blind. An epilepsy screening questionnaire identified 813 (5.1%) persons suspected having epilepsy. them, 804 (98.9%) seen by medical doctor, 798 (98.1%) diagnosis confirmed. The overall prevalence 50.8/1000 (95% 47.6–54.4/1000), while nodding syndrome 22.4/1000 20.1–24.9/1000). Younger age, being male, itching, blindness, living neighbourhood or village close Naam River risk factors for annual incidence 82.8/100,000 44.1–141.6/100,000). Among children 7–9 years old without epilepsy, 34% Ov16 seropositive, suggesting high ongoing Onchocerca volvulus transmission, but only 41.9% them took ivermectin during last mass distribution. conclusion, observed Mvolo, Strengthening onchocerciasis elimination programme is urgently needed order prevent this region.