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Leishmaniasis

Also called: Leishmaniasis

A parasite spread by sand fly bites in parts of Latin America, Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, causing skin sores or, rarely, organ disease.

Spread bySand flies
Common formSkin sores that last months

Overview

Skin sores often start as a bump weeks after travel and slowly become a painless ulcer.

The rare internal form causes fever, weight loss, and a large spleen.

Symptoms

Common signs:

  • Skin sore after travel

Less common

  • Fever
  • Weight loss

When to get medical care

Call 911This isn't an emergency by itself. Call 911 for trouble breathing, chest pain, or fainting.
Get care todayFever with weight loss after travel.
See a doctor soonA sore that won't heal after travel.

Causes

Leishmania parasite.

Does it spread or run in families?

  • It usually doesn't spread from person to person.
  • People get it from: sandfly bites.

Who is more likely to get it

  • Travelers
  • Military

Diagnosis

A clinician asks about your symptoms and may order tests.

The exam

A physical exam.

Tests

Tests, if needed:

  • Skin scraping or biopsy:

Treatment

Treatment depends on the cause and how severe it is.

Self-care

  • Keep sores clean and covered
  • Tell your doctor where you traveled

Prevention

To lower your risk or catch problems early:

  • Insect repellent
  • Bed nets in risk areas

Which doctor treats this

  • Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
  • They may send you to an infectious disease specialist, for hard-to-treat infections.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

  • If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
  • Some infections can pass to the baby during pregnancy or birth. Tell your provider if you've been exposed.
  • Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
  • Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
  • Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

Outlook

Treatable; skin sores can scar.

Getting ready for your visit

Bring a list of your symptoms and medicines.

What to bring

  • A list of your medicines and supplements
  • Notes on when symptoms started and what makes them better or worse

Questions to ask

  • What's causing this?
  • What treatment do you recommend?

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Leishmaniasis

Sources

Last updated 2026-11-12.