EPIDEMIOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT OF THE DISTRIBUTION AND ENDEMICITY OF GUINEA WORM INFECTION IN ASA, KWARA STATE, NIGERIA

  • 1 January 1985
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 37  (1) , 22-28
Abstract
An investigation was made in 1983 to determine the distribution and endemicity of dracunculiasis in Asa, Kwara State, Nigeria. The findings revealed that the disease was widespread and highly prevalent. The house to house survey conducted in 11 of the 20 villages where recent cases had been identified gave an overall prevalence of 53% during the peak period of infection. At least 2 out of every 5 residents in each village had an active infection. More adults had clinical dracunculiasis than children (P < 0.001) but the disease showed no preference for sex (P < 0.05). Factors responsible for the high endemicity and the increasing spread of the infection, for the disparity in the distribution pattern of the infection in different villages, and the impact and future of the disease in the area are highlighted.