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October 24, 2023 : The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported that a skin-disfiguring parasite known as Leishmania may be endemic in Texas and present in other southern states. The parasite is transmitted through the bites of infected sandflies.
Leishmaniasis can cause various symptoms, including skin sores, fever, and chills. The most common form of leishmaniasis is cutaneous leishmaniasis, which causes skin sores that can be disfiguring. More serious forms of leishmaniasis can involve the internal organs, such as the liver and spleen.
The CDC reported that it identified 1,222 cases of leishmaniasis in the United States between 2005 and 2019. Of these cases, 23% were not travel-associated, meaning the people were infected in the United States.
The CDC also reported that it has seen an increase in the number of non-travel-associated leishmaniasis cases in Texas in recent years. In 2019, 20 non-travel-associated leishmaniasis cases were reported in Texas, up from 10 cases in 2015.
The CDC is working with state and local health departments to investigate the increase in non-travel-associated leishmaniasis cases in Texas and other southern states. The CDC is also working to develop and implement strategies to prevent and control leishmaniasis.
The CDC’s report on the increase in non-travel-associated leishmaniasis cases in Texas and other southern states is a cause for concern. Leishmaniasis is a serious disease that can cause disfiguring skin sores and other health problems.
The CDC’s report also raises questions about the spread of leishmaniasis in the United States. It needs to be clarified why the number of non-travel-associated leishmaniasis cases is increasing. However, the parasite may spread to new areas due to climate change or other factors.
The CDC’s work to investigate the increase in non-travel-associated leishmaniasis cases and develop and implement prevention and control strategies is important. However, more research is needed to understand the spread of leishmaniasis in the United States and to develop effective prevention and control measures.
The CDC has reported that a skin-disfiguring parasite known as Leishmania may be endemic in Texas and present in other southern states. The parasite is transmitted through the bites of infected sandflies. The CDC is working with state and local health departments to investigate the increase in non-travel-associated leishmaniasis cases and develop and implement prevention and control strategies.
