Acanthocheilonemiasis is a rare tropical infectious disease caused by a parasite known as Acanthocheilonema perstans. It can cause skin rashes, muscle and joint pains, neurologic disorders and skin lumps. It is mainly found in Africa. The parasite is transmitted through the bite of small flies. For the rare minieral, see Parisite. ... Africa is the worlds second-largest and second most populous continent, after Asia. ...