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An Epidemiological Study of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis in the Cities of Sirte and Jadu, Libya: During 2019-2020

Authors
  • Kaula. A. Saad

    Libyan Authority for Scientific Research, Tripoli, Libya
    Author
  • Hanan. A. Ageehal

    Administration of Zoonotic Disease Control- National Centre of Diseases Control - Tripoli- Libya
    Author
  • Ahmed. S. Elgrari

    Administration of Zoonotic Disease Control- National Centre of Diseases Control - Tripoli- Libya
    Author
Keywords:
Epidemiology, Cutaneous leishmaniasis, Sand fly, Parasite, Pentostam, Sirte, Jadu
Abstract

Cutaneous leishmaniasis CL is a complex clinical syndrome caused by transmitting an intracellular parasite to humans through sand fly bites. Libya is one of the countries endemic to CL. The goal of this study is to study the epidemiological aspects of CL from 2019 to 2020 in Sirte and Jadu. Demographic and epidemiological data for all patients were collected from health centers by the National Center for Disease Control in Libya. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the characteristics of the study data. A total of 355 people with CL were identified. 143 CL-positive cases in Jadu and 212 in Sirte. The highest prevalence of affected age groups was found among patients aged 10 to 19 (17 %). The peak incidence of the disease occurred in the autumn. The most common locations of lesions were the legs and hands. Treatment was mentioned only in 30 % of registered cases. CL remains a health problem with medical and social consequences in the cities of Sirte and Jadu. To minimize the risk of disease, it is highly recommended to manage reservoir hosts and disease vectors, as well as provide education on personal protection measures. 

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2025-08-03
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How to Cite

Saad, K. A. ., Ageehal, H. A. ., & Elgrari, A. S. . (2025). An Epidemiological Study of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis in the Cities of Sirte and Jadu, Libya: During 2019-2020. Al-Mukhtar Journal of Sciences, 40(1), 01-09. https://doi.org/10.54172/48xfk491