Guinea Worm
What is guinea worm?
Guinea worm disease, also known as dracunculiasis, is a painful infection caused by the guinea worm (Dracunculus medinensis). Decades ago, millions of people in Africa suffered from this disease, but today, thanks to strong prevention efforts, it has become rare. However, it still affects some rural communities in countries such as Chad, Mali, South Sudan, and Ethiopia.
Unlike diseases that spread from person to person, guinea worm disease comes from drinking dirty water. Although it does not cause death, it leaves people unable to work, walk, or take care of their families. The good news is that this disease can be completely eliminated if we all take the right steps.
How do people get guinea worm disease?
Guinea worm disease is caused by drinking water contaminated with tiny water fleas that carry the worm larvae (baby worms). Here’s how it happens:
- Drinking contaminated water: People drink unclean water containing infected water fleas.
- Worms grow inside the body: The larvae enter the stomach and travel to other parts of the body, growing into long worms.
- Painful worm popping out: After about a year, a mature female worm (which can grow up to 1 meter long!) moves to the skin, usually on the legs or feet. A painful blister forms, and when the person puts their foot in water to cool it, the worm releases thousands of new larvae into the water, restarting the cycle.
Symptoms of guinea worm disease?
Most people do not feel sick at first, but about a year after infection, the following symptoms appear:
- Pain and swelling in the legs or feet
- Burning sensation and blistering at the site where the worm will emerge
- Fever and weakness
- Difficulty walking or working due to pain
Once the worm breaks through the skin, it takes several weeks to fully come out. During this time, secondary infections can occur, leading to serious complications.
How common is guinea worm disease in Africa?
Guinea worm disease has almost been wiped out, but a few cases remain in some African countries. In 1986, there were 3.5 million cases worldwide, mostly in Africa. Today, due to strong prevention efforts, there are fewer than 50 cases per year, but the disease must be completely eliminated to prevent it from coming back.
Countries that have successfully eradicated guinea worm include Ghana, Nigeria, and Uganda, thanks to community health education, clean water initiatives, and strict observation.
How is guinea worm disease treated?
There is no specific medicine to kill the guinea worm, and no vaccine to prevent it. The only treatment is removing the worm manually, which can take weeks. Here’s how it is done:
- Soaking the wound in clean water to ease pain
- Slowly pulling out the worm a little at a time (this can take up to a month!)
- Applying antibiotic creams to prevent infections
- Taking pain relievers such as ibuprofen
Because the removal process is painful and slow, prevention is the best solution.
How can we prevent guinea worm disease?
The good news is that guinea worm disease is 100% preventable. Here’s what communities and individuals can do:
- Drink clean water: Always filter water before drinking, using a cloth filter or a special water filter.
- Boil water if unsure: Heating water kills the water fleas that carry the worm.
- Avoid stepping into drinking water sources: if you have an open wound or if a worm is emerging.
- Educate the community: Everyone needs to know how guinea worm spreads and how to stop it.
- Treat infected water sources: Use safe chemicals to kill water fleas.
- Report cases immediately: If someone has a worm coming out, they should visit a health center quickly to stop the spread.
Conclusion: Together, we can end guinea worm disease!
Africa has made incredible progress in the fight against guinea worm disease, and complete removal is within reach. If we continue to educate communities, protect water sources, and report cases, we can make guinea worm a disease of the past.