Leishmaniasis Spreading in Rural US Regions: Sand Flies Transmitting Disfiguring Disease
A concerning rise in leishmaniasis cases is being observed in warm, rural, and forest regions of the United States. The transmission of this disfiguring disease is being attributed to the quarter-sized sand fly, which is similar in appearance to a mosquito. These bloodsucking insects are most active during the night and have the ability to bypass window screens and regular mosquito nets.
According to Dr. Mary Kamb, a medical epidemiologist at the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), sand fly bites often go unreported. However, Kamb and her colleagues at the CDC have identified cases of leishmaniasis in individuals who claim to have not traveled outside the US. This has raised concerns about local transmission, which were addressed at the American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene’s annual conference.
Leishmaniasis causes small lumps on the skin to develop into ulcerous sores after being bitten a sand fly. While these lesions are not painful, they can leave scars and disfigure the face. In more severe cases, when the liver, spleen, and bone marrow are infected, the disease becomes even more dangerous.
Scientists have found that climate change is playing a role in the northward spread of sand flies. As these insects thrive in higher temperatures, the predictions for climate change indicate that this trend will continue.
Most of the skin samples collected for CDC research on leishmaniasis in the US came from Texas, the only state that requires physicians to report infections. A recent study has also shown locally acquired cases in southeast Oklahoma, challenging the belief that leishmaniasis is primarily spread travelers returning from Mexico. The World Health Organization (WHO) classifies leishmaniasis as an endemic disease, with around six cases occurring each year in non-travelers in the US.
Efforts to control the spread of leishmaniasis focus on targeting the insects that carry the parasites. However, sand flies pose unique challenges as they do not require standing water for reproduction and are much smaller than mosquitoes.
According to the WHO, up to one million individuals are estimated to be infected with leishmaniasis each year. While Brazil has reported the highest number of cases in the Americas, infections have been documented in other Latin American countries as well. Although most US states do not require leishmaniasis reports, the CDC has seen an increase in requests for help in identifying cases, indicating a growing awareness and concern.
To protect against disease-carrying sand flies, the following safety measures are recommended for those in warm, remote areas:
– Use insect sprays containing DEET to repel sand flies.
– Apply permethrin to clothes and camping gear for added protection.
– Consult a doctor if recurrent skin blisters occur, especially after outdoor activities at night.
Treatment for leishmaniasis often involves a month-long course of medications, such as amphotericin B, which fights against the parasite.
In conclusion, the spreading of leishmaniasis through sand fly transmission in the US is a growing concern. Climate change and the unique behavior of sand flies pose challenges in controlling the spread of this disfiguring disease. Increased awareness and precautions are necessary in order to prevent and treat leishmaniasis effectively.