What is Leishmaniasis Disease?
Leishmaniasis is a parasitic disease caused by infection with Leishmania parasites, which are spread by the bite of infected sand flies.
Where is Leishmaniasis Disease Found?
Leishmaniasis is found in parts of the tropics, subtropics, and southern Europe. The disease is most common in areas of Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America. In the Americas, cases occur from northern Mexico down to South America, including Brazil. In the Eastern Hemisphere, it is widespread in India, Nepal, Sudan, Ethiopia, and the Mediterranean basin.
What are the signs and symptoms?
Signs and symptoms can vary based on the form of leishmaniasis. People may or may not experience signs and symptoms.
Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL)
Those who develop symptoms have one or more skin sores, which can change in size and appearance over time. The skin sores usually develop within a few weeks or months of the sand fly bite. The sores are often painless.
Mucosal leishmaniasis (ML)
ML is a form of leishmaniasis that affects the mucous membranes (most commonly the nose, but also the mouth and throat). ML can be a consequence of infection with some of the types of parasites that cause CL in parts of Central and South America and, rarely, other places.
Visceral leishmaniasis (VL)
VL is another form of leishmaniasis caused by a small number of Leishmania species. People with VL may develop fever, generalized illness, and anemia (low red blood cells). VL often goes on to affect internal organs (especially the spleen, liver, and bone marrow) and can be life threatening. People with VL usually become sick within months (though it can be years) of the sand fly bite. If untreated, VL is typically deadly.
What Can I Do to Prevent Infection?
What Can I Do to Prevent Infection?
The single best prevention is to avoid mosquito bites. While this may be easier said than done, here are some suggestions from CDC;
- Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants when possible
- Use insect repellent on exposed skin.*
- Apply permethrin to clothing and gear such as backpacks
- Choose accommodations with air-conditioning, fans, and screened windows.
*Additional suggestions on choosing insect repellents can be found on the Malaria information page.
Who is at risk?
Anyone who lives in or travels to an area where Leishmania parasites occur and is bitten by an infected sand fly is at risk for leishmaniasis. It is usually more common in rural areas but can also occur in the outskirts of some cities. Dusk to dawn is the time when people are most likely to be bitten.
Leishmaniasis occurs in parts of approximately 90 countries, usually in tropical or subtropical climates.
Leishmaniasis in the United States
Most cases of leishmaniasis that are diagnosed in the US are in people who were infected while traveling or living in other countries.
Occasionally, people have had locally acquired CL, especially in Texas and rarely other states (e.g., Oklahoma and Arizona). There have been no known cases of acquired VL in the US.
Where Can I Find a Leishmania Vaccine Near Me?
There are no vaccines or drugs to prevent leishmaniasis. The best way to prevent infection is to protect yourself from sand fly bites through preventive measures.
Even if you already had leishmaniasis, it is possible to get it again. Therefore, it is important to follow preventive measures.
Other Travel Vaccines to Consider
If you’re traveling internationally, certain destinations may require additional protection beyond routine vaccines. Depending on your itinerary, other recommended immunizations can include Chikungunya, Cholera, Japanese Encephalitis, Polio, Rabies, Typhoid Fever, Yellow Fever, and Tick-borne Encephalitis (TBE). These vaccines help protect against mosquito-borne, food- and water-related, and environment-specific diseases that travelers may encounter. Consulting with a travel health professional ensures you receive tailored advice for your destination.