Cutaneous leishmaniasis in Tataouine, Tunisia

So far this year, a total of 150 persons have been infected with cutaneous (skin form) leishmaniasis in the Tataouine governorate. The specific areas of concern include Dhehiba, Remada and Ghomrassen.

Advice

Leishmaniasis infections can present in three main ways: cutaneous, mucocutaneous, or visceral. The visceral form is the most serious since it affects internal organs. Leishmaniasis is transmitted by the bite of infected female sandflies which can transmit the parasite that causes this disease. Travellers to places where this infection occurs can reduce their risk of exposure to leishmaniasis by taking all necessary precautions to avoid sand fly bites.