Leishmaniasis in Belgium
Cases in Belgium are all travel-related. Data on the epidemiological situation of leishmaniasis in humans in Belgium are presented in yearly reports (only available in Dutch or French), see below under ‘Other publications’.
Leishmaniasis in Europe
In Europe, only 2 transmission cycles are endemic:
- visceral and cutaneous human leishmaniasis caused by Leishmania infantum throughout the Mediterranean region;
- cutaneous human leishmaniasis caused by Leishmania tropica, which sporadically occurs in Greece and probably in neighbouring countries.
Leishmaniasis in the world
The disease is common in tropical regions, and is considered a neglected tropical disease. An estimated 1.3 million new cases occur annually worldwide, of which 20,000 to 30,000 die.