Subject(s)
Filariasis , Clinical Laboratory Techniques , Dirofilariasis , Dracunculiasis/diagnosis , Dracunculiasis/epidemiology , Dracunculiasis/etiology , Dracunculiasis/history , Dracunculiasis/prevention & control , Dracunculiasis/therapy , Elephantiasis, Filarial/diagnosis , Elephantiasis, Filarial/epidemiology , Elephantiasis, Filarial/etiology , Elephantiasis, Filarial/history , Elephantiasis, Filarial/prevention & control , Elephantiasis, Filarial/therapy , Loiasis/diagnosis , Loiasis/epidemiology , Loiasis/etiology , Loiasis/history , Loiasis/prevention & control , Loiasis/therapy , Mansonelliasis , Mansonella , OnchocerciasisABSTRACT
Dracunculiasis is a waterborne disease endemic to many parts of Nigeria, especially in rural areas. Dracunculus medinensis (guinea worm) is a long slender round worm that parasitizes man and other mammals. It lives in body cavities beneath the skin (often arm or leg). When mature the female (nearly 120 cm long) migrates to subcutaneous tissues and produces millions of active larvae. A blister appears on the skin of the host, and when the opening comes in contact with water the larvae are sweptaway and are eaten by tiny crustacean (cyclops) from where their development continues. Man and other mammals are infested when they ingest the crustacean by drinking untreated water. Epidemiological and clinical features are described. The effects of the disease in the population are given with especial emphasis on the social and economic aspects. Eradication measures are indicated
Subject(s)
Humans , Dracunculiasis/prevention & control , Dracunculus Nematode , Epidemiology , Public Health/educationABSTRACT
In order to achieve guineaworm eradication in 1990s, the Guineaworm Eradication Programme (GWEP) should operate with utmost efficiency; and needs to be concurrently evaluated for timely corrective measures. Some simple parameters, their relevance, levels and frequency at which these may be helpful to objectively evaluate the GWEP efficiency are discussed in this communication.
Subject(s)
Algorithms , Communicable Disease Control/organization & administration , Dracunculiasis/prevention & control , Humans , India , Program Evaluation , Water Microbiology , Water SupplyABSTRACT
In 1991 the Forty-fourth World Health Assembly declared the goal of eradicating dracunculiasis (guinea worm disease) by the end of 1995. This article summarizes the recommended strategies for surveillance and interventions in national dracunculiasis eradication programmes. It is based on personal experience with dracunculiasis programmes in Ghana, Nigeria and Pakistan. Three phases are described: establishment of a national programme office and conduct of a baseline survey; implementation of interventions; and case containment. The relevance of dracunculiasis eradication activities to strengthening of primary health care in the three countries is discussed briefly. Similar strategies would help eradicate this disease in the remaining endemic countries