Visceral leishmaniasis on the rise in Brazil, study finds

22 jul 2020

The parasitic disease leishmaniasis is spread to humans through the bites of sandflies, and is endemic in a number of countries, including Brazil. Despite control efforts, the incidence of visceral leishmaniasis — the most severe form of the disease — rose in Brazil between 1990 and 2016, researchers have reported in PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases.

“Understanding the burden of these diseases and their regional differences is of great relevance for the establishment of adequate and region-specific surveillance and control measures,” the authors says.

Visceral leishmaniasis on the rise in Brazil, study finds

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