factsheet More about VL: The second largest parasitic killer after malaria There are an estimated 500,000 new cases of VL worldwide each year
Visceral leishmaniasis Also known as kala-azar or ‘black fever’ Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a deadly disease spread by the bite of a sand fly. The second largest parasitic killer after malaria, left untreated it results in death. Individuals who suffer from the disease are likely to experience a high fever, substantial weight loss and swelling of the spleen and liver. People with light coloured skin experience greyish discolouration on the face, abdomen, hands and feet, which is where the name ‘black fever’ comes from. Currently there is no vaccination for VL.
The disease is prevalent in India and Bangladesh, which, together with Nepal, are home to more than half the world’s cases
Two out of three cases are reported to be women and children, making them the most vulnerable to the disease
The economic impact of VL is huge. It is estimated that the cost of treatment plus lost earnings can cost around £120 (equivalent to four months income). This is money that poor rural families can ill afford
How LEPRA can prevent VL: Lives can be saved by improving knowledge and bringing diagnosis and treatment closer
We can reduce VL by helping communities to destroy breeding grounds for the sand fly, improving water and sanitation facilities, supporting insecticide spraying and promoting use of bed nets
factsheet BUT, VISCERAL LEISHMANIASIS COULD BE ERADICATED IN BIHAR! VL mostly infects those who live in poverty. People who live in affected areas commonly live in mud houses with straw roofs which provide the perfect habitat for the sand flies. People living in rural areas suffer more due to a lack of access to proper diagnosis and treatment. Those infected lose around five months of work due to illness, impacting hugely on families who are already struggling. By involving communities in tackling the breeding conditions which help sand flies to flourish, educating people on signs and symptoms of the disease and ensuring that diagnosis is available we can eradicate visceral leishmaniasis.
LEPRA Health in Action 28 Middleborough Colchester CO1 1TG 01206 216700 www.leprahealthinaction.org Registered in England and Wales (No. 213251), Scotland (No. SC039715)
WE CAN DEFEAT VL IN INDIA AND BANGLADESH BY COMBINING:
Reduced infection by limiting the opportunities for the sand fly to spread the disease. Methods include: use of treated bed nets, insecticide spraying and improved hygiene and environmental sanitation
Bringing communities together at regular meetings is a successful way of raising awareness and a way of organising referrals and early case detection
Working with government and local health providers to improve their diagnostic skills and make sure the right treatment is available locally
By supporting LEPRA you are saving lives and bringing VL eradication closer.