Leishmaniasis Reappears in Pakistan

There are reports of approximately 80 cases of cutaneous (skin) Leishmaniasis disease in the Sra Rogha area of tehsil Sarwakai in South Waziristan tribal district.

Advice

Depending on the type of infection, leishmaniasis causes skin ulcers that do not heal or more serious damage to internal organs. Leishmaniasis is transmitted by the bite of infected female sandflies which can transmit the parasite that causes this disease. Sandflies are very small (about 1/3 the size of a mosquito) and make no noise when flying. Travellers to places where this infection occurs can reduce their risk of exposure to leishmaniasis by taking all necessary precautions to avoid sandfly bites.