Ongoing outbreak of visceral leishmaniasis in Bologna Province, Italy, November 2012 to May 2013.
An increased number of autochthonous visceral leishmaniasis (VL) cases has recently been reported in Bologna Province in northern Italy. Over six months from November 2012 to May 2013, 14 cases occurred, whereas the average number of cases per year was 2.6 (range: 0-8) in 2008 to 2012. VL was diagnosed in a median of 40 days (range: 15-120) from disease onset. This delay in diagnosis shows the need for heightened awareness of clinicians for autochthonous VL in Europe.
Unit of Microbiology, Regional Reference Center for Microbiological Emergencies (CRREM), St. Orsola Malpighi Hospital, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy. stefania.varani@unibo.it
S
S
Varani
R
R
Cagarelli
F
F
Melchionda
L
L
Attard
C
C
Salvadori
A C
AC
Finarelli
G A
GA
Gentilomi
R
R
Tigani
R
R
Rangoni
R
R
Todeschini
A
A
Scalone
T
T
Di Muccio
M
M
Gramiccia
L
L
Gradoni
P
P
Viale
M P
MP
Landini
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D017677:Age Distribution; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004196:Disease Outbreaks; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007558:Italy / Q000453:epidemiology; D018314:Leishmania infantum / Q000302:isolation & purification; D007898:Leishmaniasis, Visceral / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000469:parasitology / Q000635:transmission*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction; D012307:Risk Factors; D017678:Sex Distribution; D019371:Topography, Medical; D055815:Young Adult