Iraq: Health officials fear leishmaniasis epidemic

[UpInArms]

http://www.reliefweb.int/rw/RWB.NSF/db900SID/MMQD-6B6LEE?OpenDocument

BAGHDAD, 5 April (IRIN) - Health officials in Iraq are concerned following an outbreak of the disfiguring parasitic disease cutaneous leishmaniasis in Baqubah, some 120 km from the capital Baghdad, with as many as 250 new cases reported in the last two weeks.

Dr Abdul Jalil Nafi, director of the Infectious Diseases Control Centre (IDCC), told IRIN in Baghdad, that the discovery of such a high number was extremely worrying and that they feared that there could be an epidemic if prevention and control programmes were not put in place immediately.

Leishmaniasis is a disabling disease transmitted by the bite of the female sandfly. Dogs and other animals act as a source of infection from which the flies spread to humans. Rodents, especially certain species of rats, are considered the main carriers.

The disease leads to disfigurement of the face and hands, and social stigma, particularly for women and children.

Known locally as the "Baghdad sore", leishmaniasis is linked to poor social conditions, especially in areas lacking sanitation and waste disposal. Baqubah has been suffering from poor sewage treatment and accumulation of rubbish in many areas around the city.

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[leftofcool]

1. Let's put the blame for this right where it belongs!!!!!!!!!! eom

[HereSince1628]

2. I know I need a life, but I find parasitology fascinating

[Name removed]

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