Epidemiology of cutaneous leishmaniasis in Damghan district

Cutaneous leishmaniasis is one of the most important diseases transmitted by sand fly and has been one of the most important health problems in Iran. Determining the epidemiological aspects of disease is important for planning of control program. This study was carried out to describe the cutaneous leishmaniases situation in Damghan district. This descriptive-analytical survey was performed on all confirmed and recorded cutaneous leishmaniasis cases (465 people) diagnosed during 2006-09 in Damghan district. Patients’ information such as age, sex, nationality, habitat, number and sites of ulcer(s), month and years of incidence were registered and analyzed by Chi-square test using SPSS 12 software. Of 465 under care patients, 263 cases (56.5%) were men and 202 people (43.5%) were women.148 patients (31.8%) resided in urban areas, while 317 (68.2%) lived in rural areas. The most frequent age group was 20-29 years old (22%). Hands and feet were the most common sites of ulcer (84%). 46% of the patients had two or more ulcers. Highest disease prevalence (84.8%) was observed in months October, December and November. Cutaneous leishmaniasis is an endemic disease in desert rural areas and is developing in suburban parts of Damghan therefore, comprehensive planning for control and prevention of the disease is necessary.