Dracunculiasis (Guinea Worm Disease; Fiery Serpent) By Chelsea Marie, PhD, University of Virginia; William A Petri, Jr, MD, PhD, University of Virginia School of Medicine Reviewed / Revised Sep 2022 View Patient Education Pathophysiology Symptoms and Signs Diagnosis Treatment Prevention Key Points Topic Resources Dracunculus Life Cycle Dracunculiasis is infection with Dracunculus medinensis.