Cyclops water fleas consume Guinea worm larvae residing in stagnant water

Humans ingest the Cyclops water fleas

Guinea worm larvae travel to the abdominal tissues, where they grow and mate

Male worms die after mating and female worms travel to other parts of the body, usually the lower limbs

Fully grown Guinea worms begin to emerge from the victim's skin approximately one year after infection, causing burning blisters

Victims submerge the infected areas in water to relieve pain, rupturing blisters which release new Guinea worm larvae