Tropical Parasite Spreading and Causing Skin Infections in US, CDC Warns

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has identified cases of leishmaniasis, a skin-disfiguring disease caused by a parasite, in Texas and other southern states. While most cases in the US are typically found in people who have traveled to tropical or subtropical climates, the CDC has detected a unique strain of the parasite that appears to be spreading locally in the US. The CDC researchers presented their findings at a recent conference, emphasizing the need for increased awareness among healthcare providers. Although the risk of leishmaniasis in the US is low, people can take precautions such as wearing long clothing and using insect repellent to avoid being bitten by sandflies, which transmit the parasite.