Morocco: Leishmaniasis outbreak in southern Morocco

Event

More than 3000 cases of cutaneous leishmaniasis have been reported in the region of Draa-Tafilalet (southest of the Atlas Mountains) this winter season, causing the Ministry of Health to worry about a leishmaniasis outbreak. The authorities have launched a prevention, detection, and treatment campaign, and have taken measures to reduce the rodent population (which help spread the disease). More than 200,000 patients have been examined since October 2017.

Context

Cutaneous leishmaniasis is a parasitic disease spread by the bite of sand flies. Many of those infected with the illness never develop any symptoms; those that do generally experience sores that can develop into skin ulcers. Symptoms appear a few weeks or months after the infection. No vaccine is available.

Advice

Individuals in areas where leishmaniasis is present are advised to take preventive measures to minimize the risk of contracting the disease (e.g. cover skin and apply insect repellent) and to consult a health care professional if developing any of the above symptoms.