Death often occurs within two years. Infection by Leishmania have been reported on all the continents except Australia. In the Americas, Leishmania can be found from Mexico south into the South American continent. Leishmaniasis has been reported among some military personnel returning from the Persian Gulf. Treatment Antimony-containing compounds are the principal medications used to treat leishmaniasis.
Cure rates are high with antimony compounds.
Treatment should be accomplished before damage to the immune system occurs. Marked disfigurement may develop with mucocutaneous leishmaniasis. You have been in an area endemic for Leishmania, have been bitten by sandflies and now have symptoms suggestive of leishmaniasis. Prevention Preventing sandfly bites is the most immediate form of protection. Public health measures to reduce the sandfly population and animal reservoirs are important.