Dracunculiasis (Guinea worm) and public health situation in Nigeria / Dracunculíasis (lombriz de Guinea) y la situación de la salud pública en Guinea

ABSTRACT

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