How Do You Recognize Leishmania Infection Symptoms?
• Know that there are several forms of leishmania infection. The most common types include: • Cutaneous leishmaniasis, which causes skin sores. • Visceral leishmaniasis, which affects internal organs, such as the spleen, liver, and bone marrow. • Be aware of who is at risk of contracting the infection: • Anyone who lives or travels where leishmaniasis is found. • Anyone who is out from dusk to dawn in areas where the sand flies are located (the flies are more active at these times). • Missionaries. • Soldiers. • People who study birds (ornithologists). • Eco tourists. • Peace Corps volunteers. • People who do research outdoors at night/twilight. • Know the signs and symptoms of the infections: • Cutaneous leishmaniasis. Look for: • One or more sores on the skin. Sores will change in size and appearance. • Sores with a raised edge and centralized ulcer or covered with a scab. • Swollen glands near the sores (i.e, if the sore is on the arm or hand, the armpit may be swollen). • Visceral
