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4 Things Travelers Need To Know About Cutaneous Leishmaniasis
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Cutaneous leishmaniasis isn't much of a threat in the United States, but if you plan to travel internationally, you may be at risk of this parasitic skin disease. Here are four things travelers need to know about cutaneous leishmaniasis.
What is cutaneous leishmaniasis?
Cutaneous leishmaniasis is a parasitic skin disease. People with this disease develop one or more ulcerated skin lesions. The lesions are crusty and tend to have a volcanic appearance: a deep pit in the center with a raised rim on all sides. Usually, they don't hurt or itch, but they can get infected, and these secondary infections can be serious.
These sores will eventually heal, but when they do, they leave deep scars that may be disfiguring and require cosmetic treatments from a dermatologist.
How does cutaneous leishmaniasis spread?
Cutaneous leishmaniasis is caused by the parasite leishmania; this parasite is spread by the bite of infected sand flies. This transmission method is very effective, as an infected sand fly transmits an average of 1086 parasites per bite. Since a single bite can cause disease, it's important to avoid sand fly bites on your trip.
Which travelers are at risk?
Depending on where your holiday plans or business trips will take you, you could be at risk. The disease is endemic to much of Central and South America, Africa, and Asia. It's also endemic in some countries in southern Europe, including popular tourist destinations like Spain, France, and Italy.
On the other hand, some destinations are quite safe. If you'll be traveling to Canada, northern Europe, Russia, Japan, or Australia, you don't need to worry, as leishmaniasis is not found in these areas.
How can you prevent it?
To keep yourself safe on your trip, you need to avoid getting bitten by sand flies. Sand flies are most active between dusk and dawn, so try to stay indoors during these times. When you're outdoors, make sure to wear long pants and long-sleeved shirts, and don't forget to apply insect repellent.
Indoors, try to choose accommodations that are either well-screened or air-conditioned so that sand flies are not a worry. If these accommodations aren't available, sleep under netting to prevent bites; sand flies are a lot smaller than mosquitoes, so choose bed netting instead of mosquito netting.
A single sand fly bite can leave you with cutaneous leishmaniasis, and later, a nasty scar, so make sure to take steps to protect yourself on your travels. For more information, contact Southwest Dermatology Institute or a similar location.
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