It's under their skin. In Ghana, Africa, a family is in agony. Parasites called guinea worms are eating through their bodies. While the family gets treatment, a health-care worker hunts for the source of the worms. Can he find it before others become infected? How can a bite from a pet prairie dog cause a life-threatening illness? Where does the guinea worm, a parasite that lives under human skin, come from? How can a virus that attacks the brain be related to birds dropping dead at the zoo?

Includes index.

A natural disaster -- Return of the worms! : a parasite makes a family in Ghana sick -- Unwelcome guests -- Kofi on the case : he's a health-care worker and a guinea worm detective -- Slying the dragon worm -- Worm on a stick : there's only one way to get rid of guinea worms. And it isn't pretty -- Armed for a fight -- Spreading the Word -- A simple tool -- and an important message -- help combat guinea worm disease.