Since the ’80s, Former President Jimmy Carter’s foundation has been fighting to eradicate dracunculus, known as Guinea worm disease. Back when the foundation started, there were about 3.5 million cases in 21 countries. Because of their dedication to the cause, in 2016, only 25 cases of dracunculus, known as Guinea worm disease, were reported in Africa. Even more so, the disease has become completely eradicated in Mali.

The worm causing disease is contracted through drinking water contaminated by a parasite called the Guinea worm. The long, threadlike worm grows inside the body to about three feet, only showing symptoms up to a year later when a burning sensation in the form of a blister forms, usually on the legs. The worm then slowly exits the body through the blister and can be pulled out a few centimeters each day. The full process can take up to several weeks.

Though the disease is rarely fatal, there is a possibility of infections or allergic reactions. Furthermore, pains and temporary disability can leave patients bedridden for up to a month.

There is no drug to treat Guinea worm disease and no vaccine to prevent infection; however, the disease is fairly easy to contain and eventually eradicate. People susceptible to the worm causing disease have been taught to refrain from drinking non-filtered water as a preventative measure to curbing the disease.

Guinea worm, which is classified as a neglected tropical disease, now only remains in Chad, Ethiopia and South Sudan. Mali reduced its cases from more than 16,000 in 1991 to zero cases last year.

The fight to completely eradicate the worm causing disease is close to its finish line with only 25 cases to go; hopefully, with the help of organizations such as the Carter Center, the world will see an end to the disease.

– Mayan Derhy

Photo: Flickr