Published Date: 2003-05-31 23:50:00
Subject: PRO/EDR> Leishmaniasis - Iraq: RFI
Archive Number: 20030531.1331
LEISHMANIASIS - IRAQ: REQUEST FOR INFORMATION
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Date: Fri, 31 May 2003
From: Pablo Nart <p.nart@vet.gla.ac.uk>
Source: NDTV Thu 29 May 2003
<http://www.ndtv.com/template/template.asp?template=Usiraqconfrontation&slug=%3CI%3EKalaAzar%3C%2FI%3E+outbreak+in+Iraq%3A+UNICEF&id=38619&callid=1>
Outbreak of Kala-Azar (visceral leishmaniasis) in Iraq
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UNICEF has announced an outbreak of Kala-Azar (Visceral Leishmaniasis) in
Iraq. Though there have been outbreaks of the disease in Iraq in the past
around this time of year, it is particularly severe this time.
There are now more than 200 cases of Kala-Azar reported in Iraq. The
country does see regular outbreaks of the disease.
UNICEF has warned that this time the outbreak could be severe.
Kala-Azar is spread mainly by sand flies and causes malnutrition and
anaemia. When left untreated, the disease is fatal within 4 to 6 weeks.
[Byline: Kamini Sawhney (Baghdad)]
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[Leishmaniasis is endemic in Iraq and is caused by _L. major_ and _L.
tropica_, which can cause both visceral leishmaniasis (VL) and cutaneous
leishmaniasis (CL). Leishmaniasis from these 2 species are predominantly
CL, and an increase in CL will most probably be found if looked for. It is
possible that malnutrition and other infections may have caused more cases
to manifest as VL. Leishmania is transmitted from animal reservoirs and
human hosts by sandflies. There are no annual statistics on VL in Iraq, but
Gideon (
the highest prevalence in the central areas and greater Baghdad. Cases have
not been reported since then, but there is no reason to believe that there
have been fewer cases. More information on this outbreak would be
appreciated. - Mods.EP/MPP]
See Also
2001----
Leishmaniasis, suspected - Iraq 20010917.2245
...................mpp/ep/pg/mpp
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