Dracontiasis in Rajasthan. VI. Epidemiology of dracontiasis in Barmer district, Western Rajasthan, India.

Epidemiology of guinea worm disease was studied in relation to sex, age, community and drinking water of inhabitants of 12 desert villages in Barmer district, Western Rajasthan, India. Data were also stratified with respect to first infection and reinfection. Infection was significantly (p less than 0.001) more prevalent in males (7.5%) than females (4.1%). Among all age groups peak infection (9.9%) occurred in those aged 30-39 years. Non-vegetarian communities had a higher incidence than vegetarian communities. Between-community difference was significant (p less than 0.01). First infection cases (11.0%) peaked in those aged 20-29 years while people aged 30-39 years were most susceptible to reinfection (84.6%). Between-age differences with respect to first and reinfection were insignificant (p greater then 0.05). Of various water sources reported pond water was a major source of contamination. 82.7% of the population examined was at risk of developing guinea worm infection at any time. No effective treatment is yet available.