Leishmaniasis case reported in Multan

MULTAN:

A patient suffering from Leishmaniasis was admitted to the Civil Hospital on Wednesday. The disease is caused by protozoan parasites that are transmitted to humans by bites of infected female sandflies. “Haider Ali, a resident of Multan, was sent to the hospital today,” a Health Department official said.

Domesticated animals such as dogs tend to be repositories of sandflies. The disease can be transmitted to humans by dogs through sandflies.

Consumption of used needles and unsafe blood transfusion can also transmit the disease among human. Cramped and dismal housing and sanitary conditions provide sandflies conducive breeding grounds.

According to World Health Organisation, using mosquito nets reduces the risk of contracting Leishmaniasis. 

Published in The Express Tribune, July 3^rd, 2014.