Leishmaniasis is a parasitic disease spread by the bite of infected sand flies. It has several forms; the most common are:
| Form | Effects |
|---|---|
| Cutaneous | skin sores |
| Visceral | attacks internal organs — the spleen, liver and bone marrow — usually with fever, weight loss, and an enlarged spleen and liver |
Where it occurs
It is found in parts of about 88 countries, mostly in the tropics and subtropics. Catching it in the United States is possible but very unlikely; be aware of it when traveling to the Middle East or parts of Central and South America, Asia, Africa or southern Europe.
Treatment
Medicines containing antimony, a metal, or strong antibiotics.
Prevention
Avoid sand fly bites:
- stay indoors from dusk to dawn, when sand flies are most active;
- wear long pants and long-sleeved shirts outside;
- use insect repellent and bed nets as needed.
Sources
Based on "Leishmaniasis," MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine, drawing on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; a work of the United States government in the public domain.
LanguagesEnglish
Licence: CC0 1.0 (public domain) · Adapted from medlineplus.gov
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