Eradication Of Guinea Worm Will Require Multifaceted, One Health Approach, Editorial Says

The Lancet Infectious Diseases: Dracunculiasis — a case study for infection eradication
Editorial Board

“…Since 2012, guinea worm infections have been identified in dogs, cats, and even baboons. Canine guinea worm infections in particular are numerous and appear to be increasing … Although this increase is probably due to increased surveillance, and there is no evidence of direct transmission from dogs to humans, it puts the eradication of guinea worm further out of reach. … Fortunately, it seems that controlling transmission of guinea worm in dogs and other animals will require a similar approach to that already in place for human transmission, albeit with greater emphasis on a One Health approach. … Whether eradication of dracunculiasis by 2030 is realistic awaits to be seen, but the actions and achievements of the global eradication campaign to date should be applauded, and guinea worm should be considered a case study of the multifaceted approach needed in any infectious disease eradication effort” (11/1).

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