Endemic dracontiasis in Anambra State of Nigeria: geographical distribution, clinical features, epidemiology and socio-economic impact of the disease

The farming population in these villages had the highest infection rates and it is estimated that at least 100 000 of these farmers contract the disease each year, resulting in lowered agricultural productivity.

Abstract

Guinea-worm disease (dracontiasis) has been found in the north-eastern zone of Anambra State, Nigeria. Prevalence rates in rural villages were very high (50–75%), especially in those dependent on a system of artificial ponds (the 'Okpuru' system) for their drinking water.Two species of cyclopoid copepods, Thermocyclops nigerianus and Mcsocyclops leuckarti, widely recognized as intermediate hosts for Dracuncutus medinensis, were recovered from drinking water sources in the endemic areas. The relative copepod densities and their infection levels in the various waterbodies confirmed that the artificial ponds in the area were the significant foci of guinea-worm infections.The farming population in these villages had the highest infection rates and it is estimated that at least 100 000 of these farmers contract the disease each year, resulting in lowered agricultural productivity. The clinical manifestations of the disease followed the accepted pattern; 68·3% of the guinea-worm ulcers were secondarily infected but there was a very low hospital attendance rate by patients. These results are discussed in relation to local preventive strategies against the disease.