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Leishamaniasis in Nepal

04 Oct 2016

A media reportLink of 30 September 2016 asserts that at least 6 cases of visceral leishmaniasis (also known as kala-azar) have been diagnosed in Koshi Zonal Hospital. All the cases are from Darbesha Village Development Committee in Morang.

In response 6 Village Development Committees with sandfly infestations have undergone insecticidal spraying.

Advice for Travellers

Leishmaniasis is transmitted by the bite of an infected sandfly.

  • Avoid outdoor activities after dusk where possible.
  • Cover exposed skin where possible, to avoid bites.
    • consider permethrin impregnation of clothing when outdoor activity is unavoidable.
  • Use DEET on exposed skin.
  • Sleep under insecticide-impregnated bednets.
    • fine mesh size is required.
  • Use of fans/ventilators/air-conditioning and sleeping elevated from floor reduces the number of bites as sandflies are weak fliers.
  • For further advice on insect bite avoidance see the following link: Insect Bite Avoidance