Leishmaniasis is transmitted by the bite of a tiny 2-3 millimeter- long insect vector-the Phlebotomine Sand fly.

Leishmaniasis are parasitic diseases with a wide range of clinical symptoms. Visceral- Characterized by irregular bouts of fever,substantial weight loss, swelling of spleen, liver and anemia. Mucocutanous- can lead to partial or total destruction of the mucous membrane of the nose,mouth and throat cavities with tissues. Cutareous- Produces skin ulcers-(face,arms,legs)-,causes serious disability.

Currently this disease threatens 350 million men and women and children in 88 countries.

Cases of this are found throughout the world’s inter- tropical and temperate regions. 1.5 –2 million new cases where estimated to occur annually and 600,00 are officially declared.

Irregular bouts of fever Substantial weight loss Swelling of the spleen and liver Anemia Sores-swollen glands hear them Secondary bacterial infection Disfigurement of nose and lips Bleeding

Africa, Asia, Europe, North America, and south America. It’s most commonly found in Bangladesh, Brazil, India, Nepal, Sudan, Bolivia, Peru, Iran, Saudi Arabia and Syria.

People should protect themselves from sand fly bites -You should wear clothes that cover entire body. -Apply insect repellent on uncovered skin or under the end of sleeves and pant legs. -Stay in well screened or air conditioned rooms as much as possible. -Spry living and sleeping areas.

There are not any known vaccines.

Infections are limited to skin usually and they heal by themselves. A lot of people use plastic surgery and special medications that can make dramatic differences. Treatment of macosal or visceral forms usually involves prolonged use of drugs that are effective. Most of the time there is strong and unpleasant side effects. If untreated the disease may become chronic or disfiguring. Visceral Leishmaniasis may be fatal.

The fatality rate can get up to 100%. Deadly epidemics of visceral leishmaniasis periodically flare up. In the 1990’s Sudan suffered a crisis with an excess mortality of 100,00 deaths among people at risk.