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Leishmaniasis in Guyana and Vector Control intervention
(From the Desk of the Vector Control Director, Dr Reyaud Rahman)
Leishmaniasis is a disease which is transmitted by an infected sand fly. Although there are several different forms of Leishmaniasis, the most common is visceral and cutaneous. The leishmania parasites are spread when an infected sand fly bites an individual.
Leishmaniasis is found mainly in the tropics, sub tropics and southern Europe. In Guyana cases have been reported in regions 1, 3, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10.
Dr. Reyaud Rahman
Cutaneous Leishmaniasis was first identified in 1912 in Guyana and mainly affected persons working or living in the hinterland or forested locations. It is estimated that cutaneous Leishmaniasis accounts for approximately 700,000 to 1.2 million cases worldwide.
And it is this very strain of Leishmaniasis that is predominantly seen in Guyana. Some symptoms could be silent with no signs or symptoms and is thus known as a silent infection. Common symptoms are lumps and bumps which start out first and then turn into sores and ulcers. These have the appearance of a volcano with the edges raised and the centre like a crater. Sores can be painless in most cases, but painful, depending on the location, especially under the arm or around the hand.
Persons can protect themselves by staying indoors between dusk and dawn as sand flies are more active during this time. Wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, socks and use insect repellent on exposed skin. If indoors, air conditioning generally helps to prevent sand fly bites, however if this is not possible, ensure you sleep under a net. Normally symptoms develop after a few weeks or a few months upon being bitten by a sand fly.
The Vector Control Services of the Ministry of Health has built its capacity to manage Leishmamiasis. We have successfully held training courses run by external experts to build our capacity and better equip us to treat as well as diagnose Leishmaniasis patients. We have medication to treat patients and are in the process of acquiring more medication to meet the needs of the infected patients. We are working to strengthen the regional capacity by training microscopists to diagnose cases, teaching doctors and health care providers to treat the cases, and ensuring that the medication is readily available to those in need.
So if you are not able to safeguard yourself from contracting this disease, provisions have been made for you to be properly treated.
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