Outbreak of Zoonotic Cutaneous Leishmaniasis: A Report

Background & Aims of the Study: In recent years, incidence of Leishmaniasis has showed an increasing trend. So we investigated some epidemiological aspects of the Leishmaniasis disease in order to update our information about infection routes and epidemiological characteristics of the disease in Qomrood District, Qom Province, Central Iran.. Materials & Methods: In this descriptive cross-sectional study, patients population includes those have been treated and followed with the diagnosis of cutaneous Leishmaniasis in Qomrood District Health Center clinically or based on laboratory data from the beginning of April to the end of March 2009 and the related information have been documented in summarized epidemiologic data forms of cutaneous Leishmaniasis by the "disease control" personnel of the province health center. Data were analyzed using chi-square test. Results: The incidence of cutaneous Leishmaniasis in Qomrood rural areas has reached to 32.7/1000 in 2009 which used to be 9/1000 in 2008 The most common sites of skin lesions have been upper and lower extremities. The disease has been appeared in winter and autumn. Conclusions: According to the current condition, recognizing the vector and reservoir, and to arranging controlling programs in the area according to epidemiological aspects of the disease and mass education are mandatory.