Leishmaniasis today

Leishmaniasis rages in 80 different countries in the world. However, 90 % of patients with leishmaniasis live in only a few countries. Still more unbelievable is that it often only affects certain areas in these countries, isolated regions which are difficult to access.

High-risk regions

Most patients suffering from the visceral form were recorded in Bangladesh, India, Brazil and Sudan.

The cutaneous form mainly rages in Brazil, Central America, Afghanistan, Iran, Saudi Arabia and Syria.

About 350 million people are living in those high-risk regions.

A growing number of patients

The most recent figures show 600,000 new patients each year. Clearly, the figure has grown higher from what it was five years ago. Then, only 400,000 new patients were recorded each year. However, we are unable to say with certainty whether the disease has flared back up again. The increase may seem like one, due to intensive detection policy.

Mountain leprosy

Cutaneous leishmaniosis, otherwise known in Nicaragua as mountain leprosy is especially familiar in that country. In 2007, 4,972 new patients were detected and treated there.