The Carter Center has reported zero cases of Guinea Worm in the first three months of 2024, giving hope to the idea that this dangerous disease is close to being eradicated. If this is indeed the case, a disease that was once endemic in 21 countries will become the second-ever human disease to be eradicated after smallpox.

The decline of the condition has been astounding. In 1986, when the efforts by the Carter Center to eradicate it began, there were 3,500,000 people suffering from it. Last year, there were just 14. There were almost twice as many in 2020, which saw 27 cases, and four times as many in 2019. Reaching zero would be incredible.

While the numbers are very promising, the incubation period for guinea worm is between 10-14 months so it will be necessary for the numbers to stay at zero for multiple years. In one of the affected regions, the Sahel, these current months are when the chance of contracting the disease is highest. To be certain, we will have to wait until at least next year.

Guinea worm disease is a neglected tropical disease. It is caused by a nematode roundworm parasite that enters the human body through contaminated drinking water. Guinea worm larvae find a good environment in the abdomen, where the larvae mate. Female worms mature and can grow to 1 meter (over 3 feet) in length. After about a year, the worm will create an incredibly painful lesion on the sky from which it emerges. 

Sinking the lesion in water alleviates the pain, which is exactly what the worm wants. Once that happens, the worm releases new larvae. 

The disease is not directly deadly but it is extremely painful, making people incapacitated and unable to take care of themselves for a long time. There is no cure and no vaccine – the worm is extracted slowly and painfully, winding it around a stick or gauze over weeks.

The Carter Center’s strategy has been to provide education and support in community-based interventions, leading to changes in behavior such as using water filters and preventing people with the disease from entering water sources.

Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter founded the Carter Center with his late wife Rosalynn. In 2015, following his diagnosis of cancer, Carter said that he wished to see the last Guinea worm die before he did. He is months away from his 100th birthday, this would be quite the gift if he helps make that possible.