Guinea worm Eradication

There is news that Guinea worms are eradicated .

There were 3 millions cases of Guinea worm disease a year in 1980s, the world tally in 2016 stands at just two confirmed cases.

These cases are reported from the Chad and these are considered before they has chance to spread.

Guinea worm is claimed to be eradicated from the world.

This is not life threatening but causes pain when it is tried to remove from the wound. This has nick name of Fiery serpentine.

Guinea worm larva live in fresh water and when people drink this contaminated water, then they will get the disease.

These larvae can grow upto 3 feet in length. After one year these worms create blister on the skin. These blisters are common on the legs or feet. When these are removed there is painful removal. During pain infected person puts his leg into water (lakes or pool). During that period these worms shed thousands of larvae into water.

There is no medication for the treatment of guinea worms.

The treatment only is to pull or cut the worms. In Pakistan particularly in Dera Ghazi Khan Punjab people tie the worm with the stick and slowly pull them out or twist around that stick.

The only treatment is to avoid drinking water from the ponds.

I want to bring into notice of the people who claims that Guinea worm infection is eradicated. They should do the survey of Dera Ghazi Khan  Punjab Pakistan . Because there are reports of this infection in that area.

Dr.Riaz Bhutta