Emergence of cutaneous leishmaniasis in Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka 2008-2011.
OBJECTIVE
To report cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) in Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka.


METHODS
The study population included all patients with CL reported from Polonnaruwa district from January 2008 through April 2012. Data were collected in the dermatology unit of Polonnaruwa General Hospital and the regional epidemiology unit of Polonnaruwa.


RESULTS
Four hundred and forty six patients with leishmaniasis were detected; clinical details were available for 362. Mean annual incidence of leishmaniasis between 2008 and 2012 in Polonnaruwa district was 26.2 per 100,000. The case incidence steadily increased during the study period. Case distribution by month peaked between August and November. Cases were geographically clustered in three administrative divisions with a mean annual incidence ranging from 94.7 to 54.1 per 100,000 population. Significantly more (n = 294, 65.9%) males than females were affected (χ(2) for goodness of fit = 48.4, P < 0.001). The commonest type of lesion was nodules (n = 157, 43.4%) followed by crust (n = 116, 32.0%). The majority of patients had lesions on upper limbs (n = 144, 39.8%) or the face (n = 117, 32.3%).


CONCLUSIONS
Cutaneous leishmaniasis is increasing in Polonnaruwa, with clear spatial and temporal clustering. Sri Lanka needs more vigilant leishmaniasis surveillance.
Regional Epidemiology Unit, Regional Director of Health Services Office, Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka.
Rohana
R
Sandanayaka
Indra
I
Kahawita
Ajith
A
Gamage
Sisira
S
Siribaddana
Suneth
S
Agampodi
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D005145:Face / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007891:Leishmania; D016773:Leishmaniasis, Cutaneous / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012621:Seasons; D012737:Sex Factors; D013188:Sri Lanka / Q000453:epidemiology; D034941:Upper Extremity / Q000473:pathology; D055815:Young Adult
Sri Lanka; clinical features; cutaneous leishmaniasis; endemic; epidemiology