[kj] OT: Jimmy Carter: Worms are slithering out of peoples' skin less than ever

[B. Oliver Sheppard]

Horrifying parasitic illness reaches all-time low

By MIKE STOBBE, AP Medical Writer
Fri Dec 5, 9:14 am ET

ATLANTA – Cases of Guinea worm disease — a horrifying infection that 
culminates in worms coming out of a victim's skin — have reached an 
all-time low worldwide, former U.S. President Jimmy Carter announced Friday.

[...]

Guinea worm occurs when people drink water contaminated with worm 
larvae. Over a year, one or more of the larvae can grow to the size of a 
3-foot-long spaghetti noodle. Then they very slowly emerge through the 
skin, often causing searing, debilitating pain for months. The disease 
is usually not fatal.

There is no vaccine or medicine for the parasite. Infection is prevented 
by filtering water and educating people how to avoid the disease.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20081205/ap_on_re_us/med_guinea_worm