Guinea Worm Disease

Guinea Worm Disease, or dracunculiasis, is a parasitic infection caused by drinking water contaminated with tiny larvae of the Guinea worm. After ingestion, the larvae grow inside the body for about a year until a female worm emerges through the skin, usually in the legs or feet, causing painful blisters. People often experience intense pain, swelling, and secondary infections. The disease spreads mainly in areas lacking clean drinking water. While it’s nearly eradicated thanks to medical interventions and improved sanitation, it remains a public health concern in some regions.