Dracunculiasis (Guinea Worm Disease) - Medtick
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Dracunculiasis (Guinea Worm Disease)

What is it?

It is roundworm infection spread by contaminated waters and is mainly located in Africa:

  • Mali
  • Ethiopia
  • Sudan

People infected with Guinea worm don’t typically have any symptoms until about a year after they’re first infected when the grown parasite and/or worm is ready to come out form the skin.

Cause

  • Parasite: Dracunculiasis medin
  • Drinking contaminated water or eating undercooked fish or other aquatic animals.

Symptoms

  • High temperature greater than 38°C (100°F) or over and/or chills and sweats longer than 72 hours?
  • Skin infection, blisters on legs and feet which then rupture which can have green discharge?
  • Worm emerging out of blister (looks white)?
  • Dry cough longer than three weeks and/or breathing difficulties?
  • New rash that has appeared or existing rash getting worst?
  • Abdominal pain and/or are constant violently vomiting or vomiting longer than two days (one day if a child)?
  • Diarrhoea and/or cannot keep liquid down more than a day?

Complications /Information to beware of/General tips:

Medical Emergency Condition

And/or do not wait, phone for an ambulance if have or develop:

This condition can lead to:

Please talk to your healthcare professional (i.e. Medical Doctor/Pharmacist) for further advice

Detailed Information

Please copy and paste any key words from the title: Dracunculiasis (Guinea Worm Disease) in the following respective 'Medtick References and/or Sources' to find out more about the disease (this also may include diagnosis tests and generic medical treatments).

  • NHS

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  • Verywell Health

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