Leishmaniasis in Georgia

[Gert van der Hoek]

Archive Number 20070603.1793
Published Date 03-JUN-2007
Subject PRO/AH/EDR> Leishmaniasis - Georgia

LEISHMANIASIS - GEORGIA
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Date: Sun 3 Jun 2007

Source: Russian News Agency Novosti, [trans. Mod.NP, edited]

http://www.rian.ru/society/health_services/20070530/66321674.html


Almost 90 cases of leishmaniasis have been registered in Georgia
since the beginning of 2007.

Shota Tzanava, the deputy chief of the National center for diseases
control and medical statistics reported that "in total this year
[2007], almost 90 cases of leishmaniasis have been registered in
Georgia, including 45 cases in Tbilisi [the capital of Georgia].

He also noted that this year, when compared to last year [2006], the
numbers of leishmaniasis cases have increased, but they have not
reached epidemic levels.

174 cases of leishmaniasis were registered in Georgia in 2006,
including 103 cases in Tbilisi. According to the experts, the most
dangerous territories for leishmaniasis are the central districts of
Tbilisi: Vake, Vera and Mtatzminda.

The symptoms of leishmaniasis are anemia, fever, general weakness,
hepatomegaly and splenomegaly.

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ProMED-mail <promed@promedmail.org>

[Only one to 5 cases of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) were recorded
annually before 1995, and it can only be speculated as to whether the
current increase is due to increased awareness and surveillance or
whether it is indeed a real increase in the numbers of cases.

http://www.promedmail.org/pls/askus..._BACK_PAGE,F2400_P1001_PUB_MAIL_ID:1000,37685

 

[Gert van der Hoek]

Re: Leishmaniasis in Georgia

More people infected with leishmaniasis

The number of people infected with leishmaniasis increases - 17 patients are taking treatment at the Institute of Parasitology at present. The youngest among them is 14 months old. Little Mariam was hospitalized two days ago. The doctors failed to set diagnosis during two weeks.

Experts downplay the concerns of the society saying these statistics are not dangerous, however, they recommend people to refrain from taking children to parks and in the vicinities of lakes in the evening for a walk to avoid being infected with leishmaniasis.

'There is no epidemics, we only confirm insignificant increase of the number of infections in comparison with past year,' Misha Tsanava, deputy head of the Center of Disease Control told Rustavi2.

Leishmaniasis is a group of diseases caused by intracellular protozoan parasites of the genus Leishmania.

rustavi2
2007.07.02 19:58

http://www.geotimes.ge/index.php?m=home&newsid=5462