This study investigates the prevalence of cutaneous leishmaniasis in two separate camps over distinct time periods, analyzing infection trends based on gender, age group, socio-economic status, and travel history. The findings aim to highlight the demographic and socio-economic characteristics of affected individuals and inform targeted public health interventions.
Background: Cutaneous leishmaniasis, a vector-borne disease caused by the Leishmania species, has become a pressing public health issue in regions with high transmission rates. This study focuses on two camps (Camp 1 and Camp 2) in Dir Lower, comparing data from August 2022 to July 2023 to understand patterns of infection across different demographic and socio-economic groups.
Methodology: Data was collected on infected individuals across two study periods. Camp 1 covered cases from August 2022 to January 2023, while Camp 2 focused on February 2023 to July 2023. The data was analyzed to identify trends in gender, age, socio-economic status, and travel history, revealing patterns in infection rates and primary sources of transmission (local vs. travel-related).
Results:
- Camp 1 Findings (August 2022 - January 2023):
- Total of 691 infected individuals.
- Higher infection rates among males (62.50%) compared to females (37.50%).
- Decline in monthly cases after August, which had the highest prevalence.
- Low-income groups faced a higher prevalence of infections, indicating socio-economic disparity in risk.
- Camp 2 Findings (February 2023 - July 2023):
- Total of 697 infected individuals.
- Similar gender and socio-economic patterns as observed in Camp 1.
- Consistent higher risk among low-income individuals, suggesting persistent vulnerability within this group.
- Local transmission was the primary source of infection in both camps.
Conclusion: The study reveals a significant association between low socio-economic status and cutaneous leishmaniasis risk, emphasizing the need for public health interventions focused on at-risk populations. Awareness and preventive measures should prioritize socio-economically disadvantaged groups to reduce the disease's spread. The results also suggest that local transmission is a critical factor, warranting continued efforts in controlling the sandfly vector and reducing environmental risks associated with transmission.
Keywords: Prevalence, Cutaneous leishmaniasis, Vector-borne disease, Leishmania species, Phlebotomine, Leishmania tropica, Leishmania major, Dir Lower, Risk factors, Anthroponotic, Zoonotic, Lesion
