Living with Infection by Dracunculus medinensis
A parasite disease, also called Guinea worm disease, spread through unsafe drinking water, causing a painful skin sore.
Understanding Infection by Dracunculus medinensis
About a year after infection, the parasite emerges from the skin lesion. People are infected by drinking unsafe water that contains parasite-infected water fleas. It can occur at any time in life.
Signs & symptoms
Symptoms vary from person to person. GARD lists these among the most common:
- Painful, burning skin blister
- Itching
- Firm lump under the skin
- Skin infection (cellulitis)
- Arthritis
- Diarrhea
Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.
Diagnosis
- 1Talk with your doctor
Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.
- 2See a specialist
Your doctor may refer you to a specialist who knows rare conditions.
- 3Ask which tests can help
Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.
Care & treatment
- Care team
- A doctor familiar with rare conditions, plus specialists as needed
- Expert care
- Ask about multidisciplinary care centers for rare conditions
- Treatment
- GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
- Research
- Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.
General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.
Everyday life
Living with a rare condition is easier with support.
- Connect with rare disease patient organizations for support
- Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
- Ask about patient registries that help research
- Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Quick facts
It is caused by drinking unsafe water that contains water fleas (copepods) infected with the Dracunculus medinensis parasite.
Also known as: dracontiasis; dracontiasis - guinea-worm; dracunculiasis; dracunculosis; dracunculus medinensis caused disease or disorder; dracunculus medinensis disease or disorder
Patient organizations
Rare-disease groups that can help
- Global GenesRare Diseases · United States
- National Organization for Rare DisordersRare Diseases · United States
- Genetic AllianceRare Diseases · United States
- RARE FoundationRare Diseases · United States
You are more than your diagnosis
Perspectives from people navigating life with Infection by Dracunculus medinensis.
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