What is guinea worm? Is it a real worm?

Q: What is guinea worm? Is it a real worm? A: Guinea worm is, in fact, a real worm. It is a large nematode, Dracunculus medinensis, which is ingested through drinking contaminated water. The condition is known as dracunculiasis or guinea-worm disease. The worm eventually causes a debilitating and painful infection that begins with a blister, normally on the leg. Around the time of its eruption, the person may experience itching, fever, swelling, severe pain and a burning sensation.
Source: WHO Feature Stories - Category: Global & Universal Tags: dracunculiasis [subject], dracunculus medinensis, guinea-worm disease, tropical disease [subject], tropical disease [subject], water [subject], safe water, wastewater, greywater, clean water, African Region [region], Guinea [country], Q & A [doctype] Source Type: news