An outbreak of cutaneous leishmaniasis among internally displaced persons from the Nineveh governorate reported by Duhok Preventive Health Department from 2015 to 2017

摘要

Background and objective: Cutaneous leishmaniasis is an endemic disease in Iraq,mainly in central and southern regions. The disease is, however, lower or rare in Kurdistanregion of Iraq; which is situated to the north of the country. After the summer of 2014, therewas a massive displacement of population to Kurdistan, mainly from the central region.The aim of this work was to investigate the outbreak reported by Duhok preventive healthdepartment among internally displaced persons from Ninewa to Duhok governoratebetween 2015-2017.Methods: A cross sectional study design was conducted on the records of internallydisplaced persons from Nineveh governorate who were diagnosed clinically as cutaneousleishmaniasis by Duhok health authority. Information regarding age, gender, occupation,places of current residency, expected vector exposure, displacement date and status,number of lesions, and date of onset.Results: A total of 451cases were reported during the study period. The mean age was22.7±17.1 years, and about 69% of cases were in the age group of 5-44 years. The meannumber and SD of lesions was 3.6 (±4.2), with a range of 1-35lesions. Three quarter ofpatients were off camps during diagnosis. Cases were mainly encountered in autumn. All,except 17, have suspected vector exposure outside Duhok governorate. No significantvariation was noted regarding gender, age, occupation, urban/rural residency, anddisplacement status.Conclusion: A significant outbreak has occurred in Duhok, an area not known to beendemic with the disease. Close surveillance and strict preventive measures are highlyrecommended.