Tropical Disease Outbreak: Sand Flies Bring Unexpected Health Threat to the U.S.

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A "tropical disease" known as cutaneous leishmaniasis, spread by sand flies, has been confirmed in the United States. Previously believed to be exclusive to tropical regions, this neglected disease has been found in the U.S., primarily in Texas, but with vectors and reservoirs identified as far north as Ohio. The parasite responsible for these infections, Leishmania mexicana, causes the cutaneous form of the disease, which can be disfiguring but is rarely fatal. Researchers have found that these parasites are genetically distinct from those found abroad, suggesting they have established themselves in the United States. Awareness about the disease in non-endemic states is crucial, especially as climate change allows the sand fly vector to move further north, putting more people at risk.

Key Points:

1. Cutaneous leishmaniasis, a tropical disease spread by sand flies, is now endemic in the United States, primarily in Texas but with evidence of vectors as far north as Ohio.
2. The parasite responsible, Leishmania mexicana, causes the cutaneous form of the disease, which is disfiguring but not typically fatal.
3. Researchers have identified distinct genetic differences in the U.S. parasites, indicating local establishment.
4. Most people infected with the parasite never show symptoms, contributing to low reported infection numbers.
5. Climate change may lead to an expansion of the disease's range in the U.S., with projections showing an increasing number of people at risk.
6. Education and awareness among healthcare providers in non-endemic states are vital as leishmaniasis challenges long-held beliefs about its geographic distribution.
7. Protective measures, such as wearing clothing that covers arms and legs and using insecticide, are currently the only preventive methods against sand fly bites.