Leishmaniasis in Mexico

An unusual increase in leishmaniasis cases has been reported by Mexican authorities in 2023 in Mexico particularly affecting the Yucatan peninsula in the southeast of the country.

Up to 17 June 2023, 841 cases of cutaneous leishmaniasis have been reported in Mexico with 91% (769 cases) being reported from the 3 states of the Yucatan peninsula.

Leishmaniasis is a parasitic infection transmitted by sandflies which mainly bite outdoors in the evening/overnight. There are three main forms of leishmaniasis infection which vary in severity. Cutaneous leishmaniasis is one of the most common forms. Symptoms include skin sores which can change in size and appearance over time. The sores usually are painless but can be painful.

There is no vaccine against human leishmaniasis. The best way is to avoid sandfly bites.

Advice for Travellers

All travellers to endemic regions should be made aware of leishmaniasis and its transmission.

Travellers should be advised to avoid sandfly bites by:

• minimising outdoor activities between dusk and dawn when sandflies are most active
• covering skin with clothing where possible
• wearing insecticide-treated clothing when outdoor activity is unavoidable
• using insect repellent on any areas of exposed skin
• spraying accommodation with an insecticide to kill insects
• sleeping under insecticide-impregnated bed nets (fine mesh size is required) or in air-conditioned rooms
• using fans (which disrupt the movement of sandflies) and sleeping elevated from the floor - sandflies are weak fliers

For further information see the TRAVAX Leishmaniasis page and Insect Bite Avoidance page.