KEY FACTS: LEISHMANIASIS

Leishmaniasis

There are three main types of leishmaniasis – visceral (often known as kala-azar and the most serious form of the disease), cutaneous (the most common), and mucocutaneous.
Humans can become infected with leishmaniasis if bitten by female sandflies carrying a protozoa parasite of the genus leishmania.
The disease affects the poorest people on the planet, and is associated with malnutrition, population displacement, poor housing, weak immune system and lack of resources.
During the past 10 years, the disease has spread considerably.
Leishmaniasis is linked to environmental changes such as deforestation, building of dams, irrigation schemes and urbanization.
An estimated 1.3 million new cases and estimated 20 000 to 30 000 deaths occur annually.