Is Guinea worm disease a serious illness?
Is a person immune to Guinea worm disease once he or she has it? How can Guinea worm disease be prevented? • Guinea Worm Disease Glossary • Guinea Worm Disease Index • Find a local Infectious Disease Specialist in your town Who is at risk for infection? Anyone who drinks standing pond water contaminated by persons with GWD is at risk for infection. People who live in villages where the infection is common are at greatest risk. Is Guinea worm disease a serious illness? Yes. The disease causes preventable suffering for infected persons and is a heavy economic and social burden for affected communities. Emergence of the adult female worms can be very painful, slow, and disabling. Parents who have active Guinea worm disease may not be able to care for their children. They are also prevented from working in their fields and tending their animals. Because worm emergence usually occurs during planting and harvesting season, heavy crop losses may result leading to financial problems for the en
