Guinea worm nears worldwide elimination with only 10 cases in 2025

Only 10 human cases of Guinea worm were reported worldwide in 2025, the lowest on record; two were in South Sudan and four each were in Chad and Ethiopia.

Only 10 human cases of Guinea worm were reported worldwide in 2025, the Carter Center announced, marking the lowest annual total on record. The cases were detected in South Sudan, Chad and Ethiopia. The Carter Center has led global eradication efforts since 1986, when an estimated 3.5 million human cases occurred in Africa. Those efforts have emphasized preventing transmission through behavior change and education rather than medical treatment or vaccines. Key facts: - Ten provisional human cases of Guinea worm were reported in 2025. - Two cases were reported in South Sudan and four each in Chad and Ethiopia. - There were 15 human cases reported in 2024. - Infection occurs from drinking contaminated water and leads to a worm emerging from the skin about a year later. - Eradication work has relied on behavioral and educational interventions rather than a treatment or vaccine. - The World Health Organization has certified 200 countries free of Guinea worm; six countries have not been certified. Summary: The 2025 total brings Guinea worm closer to global elimination and would make it the second human infectious disease eradicated after smallpox if zero cases are achieved. The Carter Center said work will continue until zero human cases are reached.