DRACUNCULIASIS

SYMPTOMS

Symptoms normally do not appear until approximately a year after being infected. The individual then starts to feel unwell. A fever, swelling, and discomfort in the location may develop a few days to hours before the worm emerges from the skin. More than 90% of worms emerge from the legs and feet; however. worms may also occur in other regions of the body. The following are examples of symptoms:

• Vomiting
• Itchy rash
• Diarrhea
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Slight fever
• Blister caused by the worm breaking through the skin

DIAGNOSIS

A basic physical exam is used to identify Guinea worm illness. After immersing the afflicted region in water, healthcare practitioners search for the unmistakable white, stringy worm protruding through the blister.

There are currently no diagnostic tests available to detect people who are infected prior to the appearance of symptoms.

TREATMENT

Dracunculiasis, like many other neglected tropical diseases, has no cure or particular treatment. Deworming drugs used to treat other parasitic illnesses do not seem to treat or prevent Guinea worm infections. Instead, treatment often involves a long and painful operation to remove the worm.

• The injured body portion is submerged in water to encourage the worm to protrude even more from the wound.
• To avoid infection, the incision and surrounding region are cleansed.
• A few centimeters of the worm is wrapped around a stick or piece of gauze, being careful not to damage it. This prohibits the worm from returning to the host and encourages other worms to leave.
• This is repeated daily for several days or even weeks until the worm is recovered.

Ibuprofen and other analgesics may be used to reduce swelling and pain. To avoid bacterial infection, affected areas may be treated with antibiotic ointment.