What are the signs and symptoms of Guinea worm disease?
Infected persons do not usually have symptoms until about 1 year after they drink water contaminated with Dracunculus-infected water fleas. A few days to hours before the worm emerges, the person may develop a fever, swelling, and pain in the area. More than 90% of the worms appear on the legs and feet, but may occur anywhere on the body. People, in remote, rural communities who are most commonly affected by Guinea worm disease do not have access to medical care. Therefore, ulcers may take many weeks (8 weeks average) to heal; often becoming infected with bacteria. This causes disabling complications, such as locked joints or even permanent crippling. Each time a worm emerges, persons may be unable to work or resume daily activities for an average of 3 months. This usually occurs during planting or harvesting season, resulting in heavy crop losses. Parents who have active Guinea worm disease cannot care for their children. They also cannot tend or harvest or crops, which leads to finan
