Context: The world is on the brink of eradicating Guinea worm disease. There were more than 3.5 million cases of this disease in the 1980s, but according to the World Health Organization’s (WHO) weekly epidemiological report, there were just 14 cases in 2021, 13 in 2022, and 6 in 2023.
Guinea worm disease:
- Guinea worm disease, also known as dracunculiasis, is a neglected tropical disease caused by the parasitic worm Dracunculus medinensis.
- It is transmitted through drinking contaminated water containing copepods, tiny crustaceans that serve as intermediate hosts for the worm larvae.
- Symptoms: Painful blister formation usually on the legs or feet from where the adult female worm emerges (around 1 metre long). Sometimes, secondary bacterial infections occur at the wound.
- Treatment: Slow and careful extraction of the worm.
- Prevention: Access to safe drinking water and education about hygiene practices.
- Eradication in India: India eliminated Guinea worm disease in the 1990s through a rigorous campaign of surveillance, water safety interventions, and education. India received Guinea worm disease-free certification from the WHO in 2000.