Dracunculiasis, or the Guinea worm disease, is caused by dracunculus medinensis and was first discovered in the 17th century in the coast of West Africa in Guinea. The disease is caused by a parasite known as a copepod that stays in contaminated water and carries the infectious roundworm- these larvae survive by evading the human immune system. Once the female is fully grown, it causes pain and a fever in the human host and releases hundreds of thousands of larvae into the environment, commonly into a water source, which further spreads the infection. Although there is no test, treatment drug, or vaccine available, the infection is so commonly-known throughout the population that no clinical test is needed. Once the worm is ready to exit the host, symptoms portray the existence of the infection. Besides the searing pain, fever, and swelling, the disease is disabling to those in the local population and often prohibits physical and daily activities for months after the worm is released. In order to combat this disease in some of the most remote, poor, and uneducated areas, simple tactics have been utilized such as education on the symptoms and causes and using filters and water treatment methods such as Abate and larvicide.
Eradication efforts began in 1980 and involves foundations that support this effort, as well as various dedicated health workers at containment centers. Some of the most basic prevention methods, such as education and filters, remain as the most effective measures. By 2016, only 25 cases were reported throughout three African countries, compared to over 10,000 in 2005. Despite the progress, challenges persist in smaller countries such as Chad, where many villages share the same water source and dogs are beginning to become infected by the disease. Additionally, new human cases occurred when fish and meats were not properly cooked. In 2013, new efforts were made to decrease the chance of dogs eating fish entrails and to ensure that any food from water sources was properly cooked. However, despite these revamped efforts, problems occur when the over 60,000 domestic and wild dogs freely consume water and frogs, which have been shown to carry the copepod. Although no dog-to-human infections have occurred, scientists are worried of the possibility that threatens another human outbreak. As the disease continues to spread in non-human hosts, further education, prevention, and filter measures need to be used in order to stop the spread throughout humans and dogs as well as any other hosts that may result in further spread.
References:
Hinks, Eileen. Dracunculiasis. PowerPoint. 2020.