Title: Sand Flies Identified as Potential Disease-Spreaders in the United States
Sand flies, small tan flies that are about a quarter of the size of mosquitos, have been recently identified as potential disease-spreaders in the United States. These tiny insects have been found to transmit a parasitic infection called leishmaniasis, which has raised concerns among researchers at the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
One of the alarming aspects of these sand flies is their ability to transmit leishmaniasis at night when they are most active. Unlike mosquitos, sand flies can easily slip through mosquito nets, increasing the risk of transmission. This has been a cause for concern as researchers at the CDC have detected leishmaniasis in tissue samples of patients who have not traveled outside the US, indicating local transmission.
Leishmaniasis skin infections typically start with a small bump that can turn into ulcerous sores after being bitten by a sand fly. Although these sores are generally not painful, they have the potential to scar and cause disfigurement. It is worth noting that if left untreated, the parasite can also infect internal organs and become fatal.
Interestingly, most of the skin samples analyzed in the study came from Texas, the only US state that requires doctors to report leishmaniasis cases. However, the infection has also been reported in other parts of the country, including southeast Oklahoma. With the increasing average temperatures due to climate change, there is a concern that sand flies could potentially establish themselves in northern states as well.
The study, which analyzed over 2,100 skin samples from all 50 states, found that the most common species of parasite among non-travelers was Leishmania mexicana. Researchers suspect that the specific type of parasite becoming endemic in the US is a bug known as Leishmania mexicana CCC.
To protect against sand flies, experts recommend using bug sprays containing DEET, which repel these insects. Additionally, permethrin is effective in killing sand flies and can be sprayed on camping equipment and clothing. In terms of treatment, leishmaniasis requires a month-long course of medication.
Despite the potential risk, leishmaniasis is not well-known among doctors in the US. Therefore, awareness of the disease and taking precautions against sand flies, particularly when in warm, rural areas, is highly recommended to prevent the spread of this infectious disease.
Overall, the discovery of sand flies as potential disease-spreaders in the United States has raised concerns among experts, prompting recommendations for increased awareness and preventive measures to combat the transmission of leishmaniasis.
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