Dracunculus medinensis is a parasitic nematode that infects copepods first and then mainly humans. Dracunculus medinensis infects humans but has been found in other animals. It arises out of the lower extremities, usually from the foot. D. medinensis is an interesting parasite as it is close to filarial worms, but is not considered such because of its internal organ structure. The objective for the CDC is to wipe out Dracunculus medinensis as a whole (CDC 2012). This website will describe the classification, habitat, functions, reproduction, and interactions of this organism.