Leishamaniasis in Nepal

04 Oct 2016

A media report 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