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Can we eradicate a second human disease?

Can we eradicate a second human disease?

Science Weekly vor 6 Monaten

Only one human illness has been entirely eradicated: smallpox. Could guinea worm be the second? Ian Sample hears from Madeleine Finlay and David Molyneux

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The number of human cases of guinea worm, a painful and
debilitating tropical illness, fell to a record low of just 10 last
year, according to the Carter Centre, the foundation set up by the
late former US president Jimmy Carter. But despite years-long
declines, it remains almost impossible to completely eradicate the
parasite. Only one human illness has been entirely eradicated:
smallpox. Why is it so difficult, and could guinea worm one day be
the second? Ian Sample hears from co-host Madeleine Finlay, and
David Molyneux, emeritus professor of tropical disease microbiology
at the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine. Help support our
independent journalism at theguardian.com/sciencepod