When the patient heads to a body of water to try to soothe the fiery pain, the worm deposits more larvae in the water, and the cycle starts over.

CNN: Rare tropical disease close to eradication

Guinea worm disease is usually non-fatal, but causes crippling pain and can immobilize its victims from being able to work, farm and function.

CNN: Guinea worm a greater challenge than smallpox

While Guinea worm disease does not usually result in death, it is associated with incapacitating pain and secondary bacterial infections.

CNN: Rare tropical disease close to eradication