GUINEA WORM

Condition: Guinea worm, also known as Dracunculiasis, is a crippling condition caused by a water-borne parasite. Between 1986 and 2008, the prevalence of the disease dropped from 3.5 million to 5,000. However, it continues to be endemic in 6 African countries. Guinea worm is one of the oldest recorded diseases, and it has been found in calcified Egyptian mummies.
Causes: The primary cause of guinea worm is a lack of clean water. Guinea worm larvae are present in contaminated water sources, and are eaten by a water flea. When a person drinks the water, they also ingest the flea and the larvae. Once inside the stomach, the flea is consumed by stomach acid, but the larvae remains and migrates throughout the body tissues. After approximately one year, the guinea worm is fully mature, and it emerges through a painful blister in one of the lower extremities. People often submerge the affected extremity in a water source to relieve the pain, and when they do so, the mature worm releases thousands of larvae into the water source, thus continuing the cycle.
Effects: As stated before, when the guinea worm begins to emerge from the skin, it is extremely painful for the victim. They often experience fever and intense burning and itching. Due to the pain, people are unable to work or attend school for up to three months. In agricultural areas, this means food shortages, lower earnings, and detrimental effects on local economies.
Treatment: Once a person is infected with guinea worm, treatment is gruesome. As the worm, which is several centimeters long and has the circumference of a spaghetti noodle, emerges from the body, a health care professional must pull it a few millimeters each day until it is freed from the body. This painful process can take several weeks, during which time victims are often unable to walk. Obviously, prevention is key, and behavioral changes are crucial. Prevention
efforts include improved water supply, the use of water filters, and community education. There are numerous international campaigns to prevent guinea worm, and it is hoped to be completely eradicated in the very near future.
Recent News about Guinea Worm:
Head of State Says Nigeria Has Conquered Guinea Worm
Ghana On Course to Eradicate Guinea Worm
End in Sight for Guinea Worm

If YOU want to do something about Guinea Worm, YOU can support these organizations:
The Carter Center
UNICEF (United Nations Children’s Fund)
Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation
Living Water International