Visceral leishmaniasis

Visceral leishmaniasis is primarily transmitted through the bite of sandflies but is also transmitted by blood transfusions and sexual contact. The causative parasite invades the spleen, liver, bone marrow, lymph nodes and skin. After an incubation period of 2 to 6 months, symptoms appear with fever, dizziness, weakness and weight loss. If left untreated, this infection can become chronic and result in complications and infections such as pneumonia and can lead to death.

Visceral leishmaniasis is found in parts of China, the Indian subcontinent, the Mediterranean coastal plain, East Africa and South America.