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HERO ID
5424053
Reference Type
Journal Article
Subtype
Review
Title
Dracunculiasis (guinea worm disease)
Author(s)
Greenaway, C
Year
2004
Is Peer Reviewed?
1
Journal
Canadian Medical Association journal = journal de l'Association medicale canadienne
ISSN:
0820-3946
EISSN:
1488-2329
Volume
170
Issue
4
Page Numbers
495-500
Language
English
PMID
14970098
Web of Science Id
WOS:000189111500025
Abstract
Dracunculiasis (guinea worm disease) is a parasitic disease that is limited to remote, rural villages in 13 sub-Saharan African countries that do not have access to safe drinking water. It is one the next diseases targeted for eradication by the World Health Organization. Guinea worm disease is transmitted by drinking water containing copepods (water fleas) that are infected with Dracunculiasis medinensis larvae. One year after human ingestion of infected water a female adult worm emerges, typically from a lower extremity, producing painful ulcers that can impair mobility for up to several weeks. This disease occurs annually when agricultural activities are at their peak. Large proportions of economically productive individuals of a village are usually affected simultaneously, resulting in decreased agricultural productivity and economic hardship. Eradication of guinea worm disease depends on prevention, as there is no effective treatment or vaccine. Since 1986, there has been a 98% reduction in guinea worm disease worldwide, achieved primarily through community-based programs. These programs have educated local populations on how to filter drinking water to remove the parasite and how to prevent those with ulcers from infecting drinking-water sources. Complete eradication will require sustained high-level political, financial and community support.
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