Dracunculiasis and the Long Decline of an Ancient Disease

The disease dracunculiasis has ravaged human populations for thousands of years (reference to the disease is documented in the Egyptian medical Ebers Papyrus, dating from around 1550 BC.) Current indications suggest that global incidences of the disease have been rapidly declining due to the concerted efforts of national and international health agencies. Here, only 148 dracunculiasis cases were reported worldwide in 2013 (which represents the lowest annual total ever recorded) and only four endemic countries remain: Chad, Ethiopia, Mali and South Sudan. With these countries, the majority of the cases occur in South Sudan. Nonetheless across these regions the number of endemic villages has declined from the peak of 23,735 in 1991 to 79 in 2013.

The disease is the basis of a new editorial by Tim Sandle. The reference is:

Sandle, T. (2015) Dracunculiasis and the Long Decline of an Ancient Disease, Journal of Ancient Diseases & Preventive Remedies, 2 (3): 1-2

For a copy, please contact Tim Sandle

Posted by Tim Sandle