Report Deadly Sandfly Disease Sparks Health Warning in Thailand

[snoop1130]

Picture courtesy of KhaoSod

 

In an urgent health advisory, Thai authorities are warning residents and travellers about the resurgence of Leishmaniasis, a rare yet potentially fatal disease spread by common sandflies. This year, the disease has resulted in over 40 reported cases, claiming the lives of two individuals—one each in Bangkok and Songkhla—as confirmed by Thailand's Department of Disease Control.

 

Dr Jurai Wongsawat, a senior medical specialist and health ministry spokesperson, announced that the most recent patient is a foreign traveller from the Middle East. Though Leishmaniasis is not new to Thailand, having been present since 1996, it remains a significant health threat if left untreated.

 

“Leishmaniasis is a zoonotic infection transmitted by sandflies and not by direct skin contact,” Dr Jurai pointed out, likening preventative measures to those used against dengue fever. Precautions such as avoiding bites are crucial.

 

 

 

The disease manifests in two forms: mild and severe. Mild symptoms may include small skin bumps, treatable with medication. In contrast, severe cases see the parasite attacking internal organs, leading to chronic fever, pale skin, an enlarged spleen, and potentially death. Dr Jurai highlighted the unpredictable incubation period, advising immediate medical testing and treatment upon symptom onset.

 

Thailand's warm climate fosters a thriving environment for insect-borne diseases, prompting officials to promote preventive measures. The public is urged to wear protective clothing, use insect repellent, and maintain clean environments to fend off sandfly bites.

 

Dr Jurai emphasised that while dengue fever often dominates public attention, Leishmaniasis is a formidable vector-borne threat that must not be overlooked. “Protecting yourself from insect bites is essential, regardless of how rare the disease might seem,” she concluded, marking an essential step in safeguarding public health in Thailand.

 

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from [source] 2025-04-25

 

 

 

[steven100]

always hated sandflies ....   stinging little critters .....    100 million of them in Australia.

[johng]

Where can we get some Ivermectin from ?

[Puccini]

2 hours ago, johng said:

Where can we get some Ivermectin from ?

 

What does Ivermectin have to do with this topic?

[johng]

It is a very effective and safe anti parasitic medication..look it up  on your favourite Google search.

[Magictoad]

2 hours ago, johng said:

Where can we get some Ivermectin from ?

Try a pharmacy or hospital 

[johng]

Just now, Magictoad said:

Try a pharmacy or hospital 

Ok thanks I thought perhaps I had to go to a veterinarian  as per CDC  propaganda. 😋

[Puccini]

3 minutes ago, johng said:

It is a very effective and safe anti parasitic medication..look it up  on your favourite Google search.

 

According to the news, article Dr Jurai Wongsawat recommends an insect repellent as a protective measure against sandfly bites, not Ivermectin.

[dinsdale]

3 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

In an urgent health advisory, Thai authorities are warning residents and travellers about the resurgence of Leishmaniasis, a rare yet potentially fatal disease spread by common sandflies. This year, the disease has resulted in over 40 reported cases, claiming the lives of two individuals—one each in Bangkok and Songkhla—as confirmed by Thailand's Department of Disease Control.

Be afraid. Be very, very afraid. This is just ridiculous. Maybe there's an mRNA vaccine in the pipeline.

[Puccini]

32 minutes ago, johng said:

It is a very effective and safe anti parasitic medication..look it up  on your favourite Google search.

 

This was my Google search:

https://www.google.com/search?q=treatment+of+leishmaniasis+in+humans&oq=treatment+of+leishmaniasis+in+humans&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUqDggAEEUYJxg7GIAEGIoFMg4IABBFGCcYOxiABBiKBTINCAEQABiGAxiABBiKBTINCAIQABiGAxiABBiKBTIKCAMQABiABBiiBDIKCAQQABiABBiiBDIKCAUQABiABBiiBDIKCAYQABiABBiiBDIKCAcQABiABBiiBNIBCTEyMzU1ajBqN6gCCLACAfEFQ632BzJdmHk&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8

None of the search results on the first page mention Ivermectin for treating leishmaniasis in humans.

 

Also the WHO report "Control of the leishmaniasis", which can be downloaded at 

https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/WHO-TRS-949

does not mention Ivermectin for treating leishmaniasis in humans.

Personally, I would recommend following the advice of Dr Jurai Wongsawat mentioned in the OP:

Quote

Dr Jurai highlighted the unpredictable incubation period, advising immediate medical testing and treatment upon symptom onset.

 

[Will B Good]

3 hours ago, johng said:

Where can we get some Ivermectin from ?

 

Why.........I thought these things were just caused by poor life style.....it is just a condition not a disease......there are no pathogens.