What is leishmaniasis?
A person with leishmaniasis has a disease that is caused by an infection with a parasite, called Leishmania protozoa. Leishmaniasis is spread through the bite of a sandfly, travels through the bloodstream, and can infect multiple organs in the body. Leishmaniasis is very rare in the US, but about 12 million people are infected worldwide. Although the illness can be life threatening, most cases can be cured with early treatment.

What are the symptoms of leishmaniasis?
Symptoms of leishmaniasis may include a cough, fever, diarrhea, swollen lymph glands, weight loss, painful skin ulcers, and rectal bleeding.

How does the doctor treat leishmaniasis?
Treatment for leishmaniasis may include antiparasitic medications, blood transfusion, and surgery.