India in 2023, eliminated Kala Azar, first time

India recently reported less than 1 case per 10,000 population of Kala Azar across all its blocks.

About the Kala Azar:

• The Kala Azar or Visceral leishmaniasis, is a slow-progressing disease prevalent in tropical or sub-tropical areas, caused by the protozoan parasite of genus Leishmania.
• It is transmitted by infected female phlebotomine sandflies.
• It is colloquially known as the “black disease” due to the greyish or blackish discoloration of the skin during infection.
• The disease’s symptoms include fever, weight loss, swelling of the spleen and lymph nodes, anaemia, and liver enlargement, with an incubation period ranging from about 10 days to several months.
• If untreated, it proves fatal in 95% of cases.
• The parasite targets the reticuloendothelial system, particularly affecting the bone marrow, spleen, and liver.
• A condition known as Post Kala-azar Dermal Leishmaniasis (PKDL) may develop in individuals cured of Kala Azar, manifesting as dermal lesions up to 2 years after the initial infection.

Ref: Source