Practice Points: Progress in dracunculiasis eradication in Oyo state, South-west Nigeria: a case study

Background: Dracunculiasis currently occurs in only 5 countries, Nigeria inclusive. Objective: To study the prevalence and management of the guinea worm disease at the threshold of its eradication in Oyo state. Methods: KAP questionnairres were administered to head of households and cyclopoid copepods in domestic water sources were identified and checked for infection. Prevalence of infection in the study population was monitored and reasons for continued transmission in the area ascertained. Results: Fifty three cases were reported in study area in 2004 and 2005 but no cases in 2006. Five hundred headof households were interviewed in ten villages. 43.9% believe the disease is in the blood and further probing shows that 54.6% believe infection is due to inherited susceptibility. 51.8% used antibiotics for treatment while 37.1% used herbs.Boreholes, wells, treatment of ponds with AbateTM, filter distribution and health education were interventions in place. Un-infected Halicyclops korodiensis and Africyclops curticornis were recovered from ponds. Conclusion: Ignorance especially belief in inherited susceptibility, lack of sustained safe water sources and influx of infected immigrant farmers are major variables responsible for the continued presence of the disease in the state.