Risk Factors for Leishmaniasis

List of Risk Factors for Leishmaniasis

The list of risk factors mentioned for Leishmaniasis in various sources includes:

• International travel
• Sand fly bites

Risk factors discussion:

People of all ages are at risk for leishmaniasis if they live or travel where leishmaniasis is found. Leishmaniasis usually is more common in rural than urban areas; but it is found in the outskirts of some cities. The risk for leishmaniasis is highest from dusk to dawn because this is when sand flies are the most active. All it takes to get infected is to be bitten by one infected sand fly. This is more likely to happen the more people are bitten, that is, the more time they spend outside in rural areas from dusk to dawn. Adventure travelers, Peace Corps volunteers, missionaries, ornithologists (people who study birds), other people who do research outdoors at night, and soldiers are examples of people who may have an increased risk for leishmaniasis (especially cutaneous leishmaniasis). (Source: excerpt from Leishmania Infection: DPD)

About risk factors:

Risk factors for Leishmaniasis are factors that do not seem to be a direct cause of the disease, but seem to be associated in some way. Having a risk factor for Leishmaniasis makes the chances of getting a condition higher but does not always lead to Leishmaniasis. Also, the absence of any risk factors or having a protective factor does not necessarily guard you against getting Leishmaniasis. For general information and a list of risk factors, see the risk center.