How dangerous is the carnivorous parasite caused by IS

The deadly leishmania epidemic is raging in Syria due to parasitic whip parasites causing skin ulcers, destroying organs such as spleen, liver, bone marrow .

More than 500 cases of leishmaniasis have been detected in Syria in the past 12 months. The Red Crescent Health Organization said that the cause comes from the Islamic rebels IS killing people indiscriminately and throwing bodies on the street, causing a heavily polluted environment to create conditions for parasites to spread. development.

A baby with Leishmania disease.(Photo: DM).

According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Leishmaniasis is a disease caused by parasitic leishmania flagellates in the bloodstream and the reticular system - caused by tissue , spread through the bite of infected sand flies. The disease is found in 90 countries, mainly in the Middle East, Africa, parts of Asia and the Americas. There are many types of leishmaniasis, the most common of which are skin leishmaniasis causing sores and visceral leishmaniasis that destroy the spleen, liver, and bone marrow.

Usually, the incubation period ranges from 3 to 6 weeks. Initially, the stain will appear red nodules after turning into ulcerous eruptive sores, deep concave bases with granular tissue, and thick, hard skin around. The parasite will continue to grow and reproduce, constantly attacking healthy cells nearby. Other symptoms include diarrhea, high fever, depression . however, many patients do not show any symptoms.

Luckily without complications, the ulcer will become concave scar after 2-12 months. If not treated promptly, the rate of death patients is 100% within 3-20 months.

A kind of sand fly.(Photo: Wikipedia).

Leishmania is easy to operate in poor hygiene conditions. People of all ages can become infected, especially residents living in the suburbs. The risk of spread is highest in the period from sunset to dawn when the sand flies work hard.

It is estimated that the world has about 700,000-1.2 million cases of skin leishmaniasis. For visceral leishmaniasis, this figure is 200,000-400,000. Scientists have yet to find an effective treatment as well as a vaccine to prevent the disease.

Due to the complex war situation, the World Health Organization (WHO) has identified an outbreak of leishmaniasis in Syria that puts 13 million residents in danger. A report from the agency said : "Despite our efforts, the demand for health care is increasing. Over 4 years of crisis has made the Syrian health system almost paralyzed . " 58% of hospitals in this country are partially or completely destroyed.