Dracunculiasis Eradication Efforts – 2025 update
Table of Contents
Results
Human Cases and Animal Infections
During 2024, a total of 15 human dracunculiasis cases were identified worldwide, including nine in Chad and six in South Sudan (Table 1), one more than the 14 total human cases reported in 2023 (Table 2). one case was reported during January-June 2025, compared with three during the same period in 2024. A total of 664 animal infections were reported from Angola, Cameroon, Chad, Ethiopia, Mali, and south Sudan in 2024, a 22% decrease from the 854 reported in 2023 (Table 2). The 550 animal infections reported during January-June 2025 represent a 20% increase compared with the 459 reported during the same period in 2024. Among the 664 animal infections reported during 2024, 591 (89%) were reported by Cameroon (310; 47%) and Chad (281; 42%). Among 550 animal infections reported during January-June 2025, 478 (87%) were reported by these two countries (Cameroon: 398; 72%, and Chad: 80; 15%).
Laboratory Analysis of Specimens
During January-June 2025, CDC received seven worm specimens from humans; three of these were laboratory confirmed as D. medinensis (Table 3),§§ compared with one of seven human specimens confirmed as D. medinensis during January-June 2024. During January-June 2025, CDC and the University of Georgia received 731 worm specimens from animals, 663 (91%) of which were laboratory confirmed D. medinensis, compared with 494 (92%) confirmed worm specimens from among 545 received during January-June 2024.
Country Reports
Angola. No human cases were detected in the 151 communities under surveillance in Angola in 2024 (Table 1). Whereas 39 infected dogs were detected during all of 2024, 70 such infections were detected during January-June 2025 (Table 2), a 79% increase. Genetic analysis has not identified a direct link between Angola’s D. medinensis and specimens from other countries (E Thiele, PhD, vassar College, personal dialogue, August 2025). Angola uses temephos in affected areas and in 2024 started preparations to tether dogs at risk for infection.
Cameroon. Cameroon detected guinea worm in 2019 after having reported no cases since 1997 and being certified Guinea worm-free by WHO in 2007.Guinea worm was initially imported from adjacent areas of Chad, and indigenous transmission was reestablished in Cameroon within a few years. Cameroon reported no human cases in 2024 or during January-June 2025. In 2024 and during January-June 2025,a total of 310 (Table 1) and 398 (Table 2) infected animals,respectively,were reported in 20 villages close to the Chad-Cameroon border. Cameroon expanded active surveillance