Communicating Bionomics of Cyclops in Communal Waters and their Guinea Worm Infection Status in Ebonyi State, Nigeria Fifteen Years After it Was Declared Guinea Worm Free

Nigeria reported highest incidence of dracunculiasis in the world 1991 (WHO 1991). Ebonyi, a small state south-eastern part country was rated most endemic with total 3,370 cases 1996 alone (Global 2000 & Ojodu 2001). In 2005, World Health Organisation proclaimed that disease eradicated from Ebonyi and indeed, Nigeria, declared guinea worm free. This study examined bionomics Cyclops sampled fresh waters their infection status fifteen years after it Guinea free by Organisation.. The done three phases. Phase one between 2004 2005 (before proclamation), phase two 2006 (shortly May/June 2020 (fifteen proclamation). Out 5,529 during first using microscope, 36 were found infected dracunculus larvae. Prevalence seasonal variation showed more occur months dry season (November to April) peak transmission occurring February April. 1,443 studied second phase, none Dracunculus larvae, indicating actually state. Repeated third 2015 authenticated finding as implies there is no prevalence infective larvae communal water sources area. But abundance due suspension regular treatment ponds abate which controls population bodies. increase bodies calls for serious attention responsible authorities collaborating agencies view ensuring effective surveillance system any introduction case into will result explosive outbreak larger scale