Dracunculiasis or Guinea Worm Disease: General Overview

Guinea worm disease is caused by the parasitic worm, 'Dracunculus medinensis,' or, 'Guinea-worm.' The worm is the biggest of the tissue parasites which affect people. The adult female, which carries approximately three million embryos, can measure 600-800 mm in length and two mm in diameter. The parasite migrates through a person's subcutaneous tissues causing severe pain, particularly when it occurs in a person's joints. The worm eventually emerges, from the person's feet in most instances, causing intensely painful oedema, a blister and an ulcer accompanied by nausea, fever and vomiting.
Source: Disabled World - Category: Disability Tags: Health and Disability Source Type: news