Menu Healthy Lifestyle Diseases & Conditions First Aid Symptoms Tests & Procedures Videos Definitions FAQs DracunculiasisUpdated: 2019-12-18OverviewDracunculiasis occurs when people drink water contaminated with water fleas that carry guinea worm eggs.SymptomsSymptoms develop about a year after infection, when a large worm emerges under the skin. This causes a painful blister. When the blister bursts, the worm begins to exit the body.TreatmentsThe worm can be pulled out a few centimeters each day. The process usually takes weeks. Permanent damage is uncommon. © 1998-2022 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research(MFMER). All rights reserved. Terms of Use