by New data reveals progress in the global eradication of dracunculiasis, commonly known as Guinea worm infection. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has published a report in the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR), highlighting the latest statistics and outlining the remaining challenges in eliminating this severe water-borne disease.
Guinea worm disease is caused by the parasitic larvae of the nematode Dracunculus medinensis. It has a complex lifecycle, with mammals serving as the final host. The larvae are found in freshwater reservoirs and are consumed by small crustaceans called water fleas. When mammals ingest infected water, the larvae migrate to the intestine and abdominal cavity, eventually emerging from the host’s skin.
The emergence process is excruciatingly painful and can take several weeks to complete. Once emerged, the female worm releases thousands of eggs into the water, continuing the cycle. The disease is debilitating and can lead to secondary bacterial infections, with potentially fatal consequences.
The global effort to eradicate Guinea worm disease began in 1986 when 3.5 million cases were reported across 20 Asian and African countries. The World Health Organization (WHO) initiated global eradication efforts, with the CDC monitoring the progress. Since then, the number of confirmed human infections has drastically reduced, with only 13 cases reported in 2022.
The joint efforts of the CDC’s Guinea Worm Eradication Program (GWEP), the WHO, and UNICEF have made significant strides towards eradication. Over 200 countries, territories, and areas have been certified as dracunculiasis-free. However, there are still five African nations – Chad, Ethiopia, Mali, Sudan, and Angola – where the disease persists due to civil unrest impeding eradication efforts.
While progress has been made in eliminating the disease in humans, a new challenge has emerged: animal infections. Dogs, cats, and wild baboons in Ethiopia have become increasingly infected with the nematode. This poses a significant challenge as the eradication efforts depend on curbing larval transmission, and animals accessing water reservoirs can contribute to ongoing transmission.
Recent data shows a 13% decrease in human infections from 2021 to 2022, with only 13 cases reported. However, there has been a 3% increase in animal infections, primarily in dogs. Approximately 991 mammals are currently infected. Efforts to control the spread of the disease in animals include tethering confirmed cases and proactively tethering all dogs in Angola, Chad, and Cameroon.
While Guinea worm disease is on the verge of being the second disease after smallpox to be eradicated globally, the emergence of animal infections presents a new challenge. Continued efforts and interventions are needed to completely eliminate this debilitating disease and prevent its resurgence in both humans and animals.
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- Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
- We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
