Dracunculus medinensis (Guinea worm) eradication relies primarily on which intervention, given the absence of any drug treatment or vaccine?
- A Vector control with temephos-treated pipe filters and provision of safe water sources ✓
- B Mass drug administration of ivermectin to endemic communities
- C BCG vaccination providing cross-protection against Guinea worm larvae
- D Biological control using Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis
Correct answer: A. Vector control with temephos-treated pipe filters and provision of safe water sources
Explanation
Guinea worm eradication has no drug treatment or vaccine. The strategy centres on case containment (preventing the emerging worm from contacting water), health education (not entering water with emerging worm), and water treatment with temephos (Abate) to kill Cyclops copepods (the intermediate host), combined with provision of safe water through pipe filters and borehole wells. India was declared Guinea worm-free in 2000. The programme relies entirely on WASH interventions and surveillance.
Reference: Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, 27th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
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