Prevalence and geographical distribution of dracunculiasis (guineaworm disease) in Cross River State, Nigeria.

A cross-sectional survey conducted in 1986 revealed the occurrence of guineaworm disease in a total of 70 villages in 3 out of the 17 local government areas (L.G.A.) of the State with an average prevalence rate of 56.9%. All villages affected, 39 in Ogoja L.G.A., 23 in Obubra L.G.A. and 8 in Ikom L.G.A., were located in the North Western part of the state. In all areas affected, there were no sources of safe drinking water and 95% of the people obtained their drinking water from ponds and wells with only a negligible number treating the water before drinking. Evidence of spill-over was found in the villages of Ofat and Mkpani (Obubra L.G.A.) which had no cases of guineaworm disease prior to 1986 and 1980 respectively. Observations in this study indicate that there is a gradual spread of the disease eastwards and southwards.