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Leishmaniasis is a parasitic disease that is found in parts of the tropics, subtropics, and southern Europe.

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There are several different forms of leishmaniasis in people, including cutaneous, visceral, and mucosal leishmaniasis.

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Leishmaniasis is transmitted by the bite of infected female sand flies.

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More than 90% of all cases of cutaneous leishmaniasis occur in Afghanistan, Algeria, Brazil, Colombia, the Islamic Republic of Iran, Peru, Saudi Arabia and the Syrian Arab Republic. More than 90% of all cases of mucosal leishmaniasis occur in Plurinational State of Bolivia, Brazil, Ethiopia and Peru. More than 90% of all cases of visceral leishmaniasis occur in Bangladesh, Brazil, Ethiopia, India, Nepal and Sudan.

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The most common form is cutaneous leishmaniasis, which causes skin sores. The sores typically develop within a few weeks or months of the sand fly bite. The sores can change in size and appearance over time. The sores may start out as bumps or nodules, and then may become ulcers. The ulcers might be covered by scab or crust. Some people have swollen glands near the sores.

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Visceral leishmaniasis affects internal organs, usually the spleen, liver, and bone marrow. It can be life threatening. The illness typically develops within months, or sometimes even years, of the sand fly bite. Affected people usually have fever, weight loss, enlargement of the spleen and liver, and low blood counts.

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Mucosal leishmaniasis is one of the less common forms of leishmaniasis. Mucosal leishmaniasis affects the nasal, oral and pharyngeal mucosa. Mucosal leishmaniasis can be disfiguring and disabling.

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The skin sores of cutaneous and mucosal leishmaniasis usually heal on their own, even without treatment. But it can take months or even years, and the sores can leave ugly scars. If not treated, severe  cases of visceral leishmaniasis are usually fatal. There are are few FDA approved drugs for the treatment of the forms of leishmaniasis; however, they are effective only against certain Leishmania species/strains and only in particular geographic regions.

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There are no vaccines or drugs to prevent leishmaniasis. The best way for travelers to prevent infection is to protect themselves from sand fly bites. Try to avoid outdoor activities, especially from dusk to dawn, when sand flies generally are the most active. When outdoors, minimize the amount of uncovered skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and socks. Also, apply insect repellent that contains the chemical DEET to exposed skin. When indoors, stay in well-screened or air-conditioned areas. If those are unavailable, use a bed net. Remember that sand flies are smaller than mosquitoes and can get through smaller holes. Also, use insecticide to kill insects in living/sleeping areas.