Prevalence of Dracunculiasis in Parts of Akoko Land, Ondo State, Nigeria

Study was carried out on the prevalence of dracunculiasis (Guineaworm disease), in parts of Akoko area of Ondo State, Nigeria between 1999 and 2004. People were examined for the presence of papules, pre-emergent and emergent worms. Information on age, sex occupation, re-infection, were collected and recorded on data sheet. Prevalence of 8.5% representing 902 cases of dracunculiasis in a population of 10,614 people examined. Annual prevalence was observed to decrease sharply from 23.3% in 1999 to 0.2% in 2004. Prevalence was also significantly different (P<0.05) among the different age groups and sexes. Prevalence was 10.2% in males and 6.7% in females. In both sexes, prevalence among age groups 0-10 years old ranged from 0.1% to 3.0%. Farmers had the highest prevalence of 11.3% and the occupational related prevalence was found to be significantly different (P<0.05). Predilection sites of emergent guineaworm in infected individuals were the lower limbs with a prevalence of 98.2% and the upper limbs with a prevalence of 1.8%. The study stressed the provision of safe potable water, proper follow up of the control strategies on ground as the best sustainable control and eradication of dracunculiasis in the study area.