Tag

Leishmaniasis

All articles tagged with #leishmaniasis

health2 years ago•2 min saved

Emerging Tropical Disease in Mainland U.S. Raises Concerns over Vaccine Availability

Leishmaniasis, a tropical disease primarily spread by sand flies, has been found in the mainland United States, shocking physicians who were taught that it only existed in tropical climates. The disease, which currently has no effective vaccine, has been reported in Texas, but the actual spread is difficult to track due to limited reporting. As the planet warms, diseases like leishmaniasis are spreading to new areas, posing a concern for public health. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is raising awareness among clinicians about the presence of leishmaniasis in the U.S. and the need for preventive measures.

via Yahoo News|

#climate-change #disease-spread #health

health2 years ago•1 min saved

Emerging Threat: Sand Fly-Borne Tropical Skin Disease Spreads to US

Leishmaniasis, a tropical skin disease carried by sand flies, has been detected in the United States. The disease, which can cause skin sores or affect internal organs, is typically found in tropical areas. Cases in the US have been reported in individuals who traveled to countries where leishmaniasis is native, as well as in people who did not travel outside the US. Researchers are urging doctors to be aware of the possibility of leishmaniasis cases occurring without international travel, particularly in Texas and other states. The CDC recommends taking precautions to protect against sand fly bites, such as avoiding outdoor activities during peak activity times and using insect repellent.

via Fox Weather |

#cdc #health #leishmaniasis

health2 years ago•3 min saved

"Surge in Sand Fly-Induced Skin Disease Cases Sweeps Across the U.S."

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has found that leishmaniasis, a skin disease spread by sand flies, is spreading at low levels in the southern U.S., challenging the previous belief that it could only be acquired abroad. Recent research confirms that the parasite causing leishmaniasis, known as Leishmania mexicana, has been present in the U.S. since at least 2005. The disease has been circulating in south and central Texas for decades, but its range has been expanding northward in the past 10 years. Climate models suggest that over 12 million people in the U.S. could be exposed to leishmaniasis locally, and this number could double in the next 60 years. Researchers are urging doctors and patients to be aware of the disease and for textbooks to reflect its presence in the U.S.

via NPR|

#cdc #health #leishmaniasis

health2 years ago•5 min saved

"Tropical Disease Carried by Sand Flies Spreads to the U.S."

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has confirmed that a strain of the Leishmania parasite, which causes cutaneous leishmaniasis, has likely been living in the United States for years. Previously thought to be a tropical disease, leishmaniasis is spread by sand flies and primarily affects tropical regions. However, recent research suggests that the parasite is endemic in the US, with cases reported in several states, including Texas. The CDC's findings highlight the need for increased awareness and tracking of leishmaniasis infections, especially as climate change may expand the range of sand flies and increase the risk of the disease in more areas.

via MPR News|

#cdc #health #leishmaniasis

health2 years ago•3 min saved

"Rapid Spread of Flesh-Eating Parasitic Disease in America"

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has identified 1,222 cases of leishmaniasis, a parasitic disease spread by infected sandfly bites, in US citizens between 2005 and 2019. Previously, most cases were linked to travel or living in other countries, but the CDC's new findings suggest that 86 recent cases were found in people with no recent travel history. The majority of cases were found in Texas, but there are reports of cases in other southern US states. While the disease does not pose a serious public health risk to citizens, health professionals are being urged to increase awareness and surveillance to better understand the nature of the disease.

via The Independent|

#cdc #health #leishmaniasis

health2 years ago•2 min saved

CDC Identifies Endemic Flesh-Eating Parasite in Texas, US

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has found evidence suggesting that leishmaniasis, a flesh-eating parasitic disease caused by sand fly bites, may be endemic in Texas and other southern states. Previously, the disease was primarily associated with international travel, but recent analysis revealed cases in individuals who had not traveled abroad. Texas has reported 38 locally acquired cases since 2007, with three cases in Travis County. The CDC believes that the robust reporting system in Texas may contribute to the higher number of reported cases, and it is unclear how widespread the disease is in other U.S. states. The CDC advises wearing long sleeves and using insect repellent to prevent infection.

via KXAN.com|

#cdc #health #leishmaniasis

health2 years ago•10 min saved

"Tropical Parasite Spreading Skin Infections in US, Experts Warn"

Sand flies, tiny tan flies found in warm, rural areas, are capable of transmitting a parasite called Leishmania, causing an infectious disease called leishmaniasis. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has detected cases of leishmaniasis in tissue samples from patients who have not traveled outside the United States, indicating local transmission. The disease starts with a small bump that erupts into ulcerous sores, often near the site of a sand fly bite. While most cases are asymptomatic, symptomatic individuals may develop painful ulcers that can scar and disfigure. Leishmaniasis can also infect internal organs and is fatal if left untreated. Sand flies have been expanding their range due to climate change, and precautions such as using bug sprays and seeking treatment for persistent skin sores are recommended.

via WMUR Manchester|

#disease-transmission #health #leishmaniasis

health2 years ago•3 min saved

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.

via NBC News|

#cdc #health #leishmaniasis

health2 years ago•3 min saved

Tropical Parasite Spreading via Sand Flies Gains Foothold in US

Leishmaniasis, a deadly tropical disease spread by sand flies, is gaining a foothold in the US, with cases now being reported in people who haven't traveled outside the country. The disease, which was once rare in the US, is now endemic and experts warn that a warming climate could further expand the territory of sand flies and increase the spread of diseases like leishmaniasis. The only reported cases of leishmaniasis in the US so far have been from Texas, but sand flies have been found as far north as New Jersey, Delaware, and Ohio. There is no human vaccine for leishmaniasis, but vaccines are available for dogs. The CDC advises people in regions with sand flies to take precautions such as avoiding outdoor activities during peak sand fly activity and using insect repellent.

via New York Post |

#climate-change #disease-spread #health

health2 years ago•5 min saved

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

Sand flies, tiny tan flies about a quarter of the size of mosquitoes, are spreading a tropical parasite called leishmaniasis in the United States. The CDC has detected leishmaniasis in tissue samples from patients who have not traveled outside the country, indicating local transmission. The skin infections caused by leishmaniasis start with a small bump that turns into ulcerous sores. While most cases are asymptomatic, the sores can scar and be disfiguring, especially if they occur on the face. Sand flies capable of carrying the parasite have been expanding their range due to climate change, and they can now be found in several southern and southwestern states. Precautions such as using bug sprays and seeking treatment for persistent skin sores are recommended.

via CNN|

#disease-transmission #health #leishmaniasis

health2 years ago•4 min saved

Tropical Parasite Spreads and Takes Hold in the US, Particularly in Texas

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warns that a tropical disease called leishmaniasis, once seen mainly in Americans returning from travel abroad, now has a unique U.S. strain. The disease, spread by sandflies, could thrive in the U.S. due to improved climatic conditions. Researchers also highlight the risk of a deadlier form of the disease, visceral leishmaniasis, which can be transmitted by imported dogs carrying the parasite. Climate change and inadequate screening contribute to the spread of the disease, which can cause disfiguring skin ulcers. The U.S. lacks federal reporting on the disease, making it difficult to track its prevalence.

via USA TODAY|

#climate-change #dogs #health