Brazil: Leishmaniasis deaths in Mato Grosso do Sul up 44% since 2010
The number of fatalities due to the parasitic disease, visceral leishmaniasis has increased by 43.75 percent in the Central-Western Brazilian state of Mato Grosso do Sul, according to a Campo Grande News report today (computer translated).
Phlebotomus papatasi sand fly–a vector of leishmaniasis
Image/CDC
Based on data from the SES (State Health Department), the state has reported an 15% increase in leishmaniasis deaths from 2013 compared to the previous year, despite there being less total cases.
From January to November 20, 2013, 207 cases were reported with 23 deaths from the disease. In 2012, 303 cases with 20 deaths were recorded.
According to the report, in the last three years the cases of deaths has been increasing in the state. In 2010, there were 214 cases and 18 deaths in 2011 were 273 with 16 deaths.
Leishmaniasis is a parasitic disease spread by the bite of the female sandfly.
There are different forms of leishmaniasis.
- Cutaneous leishmaniasis affects the skin and mucous membranes. Skin sores usually start at the site of the sandfly bite. In a few people, sores may develop on mucous membranes.
- Systemic, or visceral, leishmaniasis affects the entire body. This form occurs 2 – 8 months after a person is bitten by the sandfly. Most people do not remember having a skin sore. This form can lead to deadly complications. The parasites damage the immune system by decreasing the numbers of disease-fighting cells.
Cases of leishmaniasis have been reported on all continents except Australia and Antarctica.
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