Quick Facts: Guinea Worm Disease (GWD), is an infection by the guinea worm. A person becomes infected when they drink water that contains water fleas infected with guinea worm larvae. About one year later, the person develops an excruciating pain and burning feeling as the female worm forms a blister in the skin. The worm then comes out of the skin over a few weeks.It may be difficult to walk or work. In 1986, the disease afflicted an estimated 3.5 million people a year in 21 countries in Africa and Asia. Today, thanks to the work of The Carter Center and its partners — including the countries themselves — the incidence of Guinea worm has been reduced by more than 99.9 percent to 148 cases in 2013. The Carter Center works to eradicate Guinea worm in the following countries: Mali, Chad, South Sudan, and Ethiopia. More information: cartercenter.org/health/index.html
Posted on: Fri, 11 Jul 2014 06:00:01 +0000