What is the prevalence of Dracunculosis?
How many people does Dracunculosis affect? Does it have the same prevalence in men and women? And in the different countries?
The prevalence of Dracunculosis varies depending on the geographical location. It is primarily found in rural areas of sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in countries such as South Sudan, Chad, and Ethiopia. According to the World Health Organization, the number of reported cases has significantly decreased over the years. In 2019, there were only 54 reported cases worldwide. This reduction is mainly due to extensive efforts in disease surveillance, water filtration, and health education. However, eradication efforts are ongoing to completely eliminate this parasitic disease.
Dracunculosis, also known as Guinea worm disease, is a parasitic infection caused by the nematode Dracunculus medinensis. It is characterized by the emergence of long, thread-like worms from painful skin ulcers, primarily in rural areas with limited access to clean water and sanitation.
The prevalence of Dracunculosis has significantly decreased over the years due to extensive global efforts for eradication. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), in 1986, there were an estimated 3.5 million cases reported in 20 countries. However, as of 2020, only two countries, Chad and South Sudan, reported cases of Dracunculosis.
This remarkable reduction in prevalence is primarily attributed to the implementation of preventive measures such as water filtration, health education, and the use of larvicide to control the parasite's intermediate host, copepods. The Carter Center, along with other organizations, has played a crucial role in leading the eradication campaign.
While the prevalence of Dracunculosis has significantly declined, efforts to completely eradicate the disease continue. The WHO aims to achieve global eradication, making Dracunculosis the second human disease to be eradicated after smallpox.
