Leishmaniasis Summary Leishmaniasis is a parasitic disease spread by the bite of infected sand flies. There are several different forms of leishmaniasis. The most common are cutaneous and visceral. The cutaneous type causes skin sores. The visceral type affects internal organs such as the spleen, liver, and bone marrow. People with this form usually have fever, weight loss, and an enlarged spleen and liver. Leishmaniasis is found in parts of about 88 countries. Most of these countries are in the tropics and subtropics. It is possible but very unlikely that you would get this disease in the United States. But you should be aware of it if you are traveling to the Middle East or parts of Central America, South America, Asia, Africa or southern Europe. Treatment is with medicines that contain antimony, a type of metal, or with strong antibiotics. The best way to prevent the disease is to protect yourself from sand fly bites: Stay indoors from dusk to dawn, when sand flies are the most active Wear long pants and long-sleeved shirts when outside Use insect repellent and bed nets as needed Centers for Disease Control and Prevention National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Find an Expert Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Centers for Disease Control and Prevention National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Clinical Trials ClinicalTrials.gov: Leishmaniasis National Institutes of Health Diagnosis and Tests Diagnosis of Leishmaniasis Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Diagnosis of Parasitic Diseases Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Start Here Leishmaniasis American Osteopathic College of Dermatology Leishmaniasis National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Leishmaniasis FAQs Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Array Leishmaniasis Specifics Leishmaniasis Disease Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Journal Articles Leishmaniasis Related Issues Travelers’ Health: Leishmaniasis, Cutaneous Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Travelers’ Health: Leishmaniasis, Visceral Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
