Dracunculosis synonyms

Dracunculosis, also known as Guinea worm disease, is a parasitic infection caused by the roundworm Dracunculus medinensis. This disease primarily affects individuals living in rural areas of sub-Saharan Africa, where access to clean drinking water is limited. The infection occurs when people consume water contaminated with copepods, small crustaceans that harbor the larvae of the Guinea worm.

Symptoms of dracunculosis typically appear about a year after infection. The most characteristic symptom is the emergence of a painful blister, usually on the lower limbs. Over the course of a few days, the blister ruptures, releasing a long, thread-like worm that can measure up to a meter in length. This process can be excruciatingly painful and often leads to secondary bacterial infections.

Prevention and control of dracunculosis primarily involve improving access to safe drinking water sources and implementing effective water filtration methods. Educational campaigns are also crucial in raising awareness about the disease and promoting behavioral changes to prevent contamination. The Carter Center, along with other organizations, has been actively involved in the global eradication efforts of dracunculosis.

Synonyms for dracunculosis include Guinea worm disease, dracontiasis, and serpent worm disease. These terms are often used interchangeably to refer to the same parasitic infection caused by D. medinensis.