A parasitic, flesh-eating disease is now endemic in Texas, according to a new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Though this condition, known as leishmaniasis, is relatively common in other parts of the world, it's not regularly found in the U.S. A growing number of cases over the years, however, indicates this has changed, and a form of the disease is now “native,” or endemic, to parts of Texas.
According to the World Health Organization, there are three primary forms of leishmaniases: “visceral (the most serious form because it is almost always fatal without treatment); cutaneous (the most common, usually causing skin ulcers); and mucocutaneous (affecting mouth, nose and throat).” The disease is commonly spread by biting insects called sandflies that populate beaches. Vaccines against the disease don’t exist, but some drugs may work against it.
