Context: 

Recently, WHO’s weekly epidemiological report highlighted just six cases were identified of  Guinea worm disease in 2023.

About Guinea Worm Disease

• It is an infectious ‘Neglected tropical disease’ (NTD).
• Agent:  parasite “Dracunculus Medinensis” fiery serpent.
• Transmission: Drinking water containing Guinea worm larvae. 
• Affected Regions:
  • It affects poor communities in remote parts of Africa that do not have safe water to drink.
• It is primarily a human disease but can also spread to animals and humans by eating certain aquatic animals that might carry Guinea worm larvae, like fish or frogs.
• Symptoms of Guinea Worm Disease
  • Usually the disease has no initial symptoms. About one year later, there is a painful burning feeling as a blister forms, usually on the legs. The blister bursts as the worm then comes out of the skin over a few weeks.
• Treatment: 
  • There is no drug to treat & no vaccine to prevent Guinea worm infection. 
  • Anti-inflammatory medicine can help reduce pain and swelling.
  • Antibiotic ointment can help prevent infections.
• Prevention: Filtering drinking water through a piece of fine-mesh cloth, chlorination, or boiling.

What Needs to Be Done to End Guinea Worm Disease Globally? 

• Intensify Guinea Worm Eradication Program (National Guinea Worm Eradication Programme (GWEP) was launched in 1983-84).
• Collaboration between the government agencies, local health workers, and international partners. 
• Empowering local communities with the knowledge and tools —including Filtering water before use and reporting cases to health authorities for immediate response
• Enhanced surveillance to detect all infected animals and to contain them
  • Provision of health education for community members and animal owners, and 
  • Implementation of vigorous and comprehensive vector control interventions.

News Source: The Hindu