Guinea worm disease is in existence since many years in the world.
Guinea worm disease is a vectorborne parasitic disease, mainly of
the subcutaneous tissues(usually leg and foot) caused by the nematode
parasite, Dracunculus medinensis.
The female grows to a length of 55 to 120 cm and the male is short
2-3 cm .
The main link in the transmission of guinea worm disease is water
infested with Cyclops.Where the step-wells are the source of water
supply, peak transmission occurs during the dry season (March-May)when
the contact between open cases of Guinea worm disease and the drinking
water is the greatest, and there is little transmission when the
wells are full during and after rains.Where the ponds are used, transmission
appears to be confined to June-September , when the ponds contain
water.
In India Guineaworm cases were identified in states of Karnataka, Rajasthan,
Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and Gujarat. The success in National Guinea Worm
Eradication Programme is really outstanding. There was rapid decline in endemicity
with no indigenous case since last 10 years.
In Maharashtra state no case has been identified since 1991. In
fact, the International Commission has certified country as Guineaworm
Disease Free for Certification of Dracunculiasis Eradication on 5th
February 2000.
As per the guidelines of WHO there is still existence of Guineaworm
in some countries of the world. So, the active search is carried
out once a year (June) in Maharashtra State for vigilance.
