Guinea worm disease, also known as dracunculiasis, is a parasitic infection caused by the nematode Dracunculus medinensis. This disease is one of the oldest known diseases, dating back to ancient times. It is spread through contaminated drinking water and affects the poorest and most vulnerable populations in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. The disease causes a painful blister, through which a long, thin worm slowly emerges. Other synonyms for Guinea worm disease include dracunculosis, serpent worm disease, fiery serpent disease, dragon worm disease, and Medina worm disease. Despite progress made in recent years, Guinea worm disease still affects thousands of people worldwide, highlighting the urgency of continued efforts to eradicate the disease.