Epidemic of cutaneous leishmaniasis: 109 cases in a population of 500.
In February 2004, 4 patients aged 10-15 years presented at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences with non-healing multiple ulcers on exposed parts. On the basis of history, clinical assessment and fine needle aspiration cytology, they were diagnosed as having cutaneous leishmaniasis. We were informed that several similar cases were present in their village. A team of doctors and technicians visited the area. A survey was conducted and another 105 cases with various morphological presentations were identified. The area was visited several times to find the vector, reservoirs and source of infection and to advise on controlling the epidemic.
Anwar
M
M
Department of Dermatology, Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences, Islamabad, Pakistan. maqsoodanwar99@yahoo.com
Hussain
M A
MA
Ur-Rehman
H
H
Khan
I
I
Sheikh
R A
RA
D000293:Adolescent; D017677:Age Distribution; D000818:Animals; D000981:Antiprotozoal Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001707:Biopsy, Needle; D002648:Child; D017281:Cost of Illness; D004196:Disease Outbreaks / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D004197:Disease Reservoirs / Q000469:parasitology; D019353:Endemic Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D007300:Insect Control; D007303:Insect Vectors; D016773:Leishmaniasis, Cutaneous / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000635:transmission; D008536:Meglumine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000077485:Meglumine Antimoniate; D020380:Needs Assessment; D009942:Organometallic Compounds / Q000627:therapeutic use; D010154:Pakistan / Q000453:epidemiology; D011159:Population Surveillance; D012042:Registries; D012423:Rural Health / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D018505:Waste Management
D000981:Antiprotozoal Agents; D009942:Organometallic Compounds; D008536:Meglumine; D000077485:Meglumine Antimoniate