Guinea worm
noun
Note: The Guinea worm undergoes larval development in small freshwater copepod crustaceans (genus Cyclops) which are ingested by humans in contaminated drinking water. When the Guinea worm larvae are released, they pass from the stomach and intestine to the thorax and abdomen for maturation and mating. Gravid females of typically 24 to 40 inches (60 to 100 centimeters) in length migrate through subcutaneous tissues towards the skin especially of the lower legs and feet. At the skin surface, the female worms form painful blisters from which they slowly emerge approximately 10 to 14 months following initial infection. Upon immersion in water, the female expels hundreds of thousands of young larvae.
Examples of Guinea worm in a Sentence
Mark Kortepeter, Forbes, 10 Jan. 2025
Carter’s deep sympathy for the victims of Guinea worm disease came in part from his background as a peanut farmer who grew up in a farmhouse with no electricity or running water.
—Eli Wizevich, Smithsonian Magazine, 9 Jan. 2025
For instance, there was Guinea worm progress in many countries.
—Gabrielle Emanuel, NPR, 9 Jan. 2025
When the Carter Center began eradication efforts against Guinea worm disease in 1986, about 3.5 million people across 21 countries were afflicted with the excruciating condition.
—Bill Marsh, New York Times, 31 Dec. 2024
In 1986, the World Health Assembly called for eradication of Guinea worm disease.
—Evan Bush, NBC News, 31 Dec. 2024
In 1995, Carter negotiated a two-month cease-fire in Sudan to allow health care workers there to more safely help eradicate Guinea worm disease, prevent river blindness, and vaccinate children against polio.
—Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 31 Dec. 2024
The center has also led health efforts, including the push to eradicate the tropical parasitic Guinea worm disease.
—Marty Steinberg, CNBC, 29 Dec. 2024
But his second act as humanitarian, house builder, Guinea worm exterminator and Nobel Peace Prize winner was a portrait of perseverance and grace.
—Jeffrey Fleishman, Los Angeles Times, 29 Dec. 2024
Dictionary Entries Near Guinea worm
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“Guinea worm.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Guinea%20worm. Accessed 18 Jan. 2025.
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