Leishmaniasis in Navarra: review of activities

Abstract

It has been recently reported a new case of human leishmaniasis in Navarra. Therefore, in this paper we have reviewed in a systematic and aggregated manner the data relating to this disease that is available in the Institute of Public Health of Navarra and that concerns different activities from 1976 to 1996, the date of notification at the Centre of the first case in humans. It includes the data about the known cases, since they were reported to the Epidemiological Surveillance System, together with that obtained by active searching (a figure that is three times higher). This review also includes the actions relating to the localisation of the transmitter vector, detected in different population centres of Navarra, as well as the degree of seroprevalence in the canine population on the census of the Foral Community. The figures make it possible to conclude that this illness is not sufficiently well-known in our area and that there is an understimation in reporting to the Epidemiological Vigilance System. It possibly shows a growing incidence, which would call for profound reflection and the development of a program for controlling the disease, with activities directed basically against the reservoir and the transmitter vector.