[Dracunculosis--a retreating scourge]

Abstract

Guinea worm disease (dracunculiasis) is an easily preventable parasitic illness where one or more worms (Dracunculus medinensis) emerge through the skin about a year after drinking infected water. It is highly debilitating and compromises health, food production and schooling in 19 African nations, and in India. In affected areas it causes more permanent disability than poliomyelitis, and the annual economic cost is estimated to one billion USD. About 120 million poor are at risk. Interventions include providing safe water, teaching people at risk to filter all their drinking water, and chemical treatment of the water. The article discusses the life cycle of the parasite, its socioeconomic consequences, interventions against it and progress toward eradicating guinea worm disease.