Leishmaniasis in Cyprus: Doctors Warn of Hidden Infection and Risks of Sandfly Bites

Leishmaniasis, known as “oriental sore,” occurs in approximately 2.5–3% of the country's population and is transmitted through the bites of infected female sandflies, stated Dr. Fatma Deniz. According to her, the disease can remain unnoticed for a long time and manifests 4–8 months after the bite.

The infection most often affects exposed areas of the body — arms, legs, and face. A small, itchy, and firm red blister initially appears on the skin, which over time enlarges and turns into an ulcer with raised edges and a sunken center. “In the early stages, it is easily confused with a regular insect bite, but the key difference is the appearance of a persistent lesion weeks or even months later,” the doctor noted.

The doctor emphasized that the disease can mimic many other skin conditions — from bacterial and fungal infections to chronic wounds and even skin cancer, so an accurate diagnosis is made in the laboratory by examining a tissue sample.

Treatment depends on the form of the disease: medicinal injections into the lesion or cryotherapy are used. However, the healing process can take months and often leaves scars. In some cases, the body copes on its own, but seeking medical attention early significantly reduces the risk of complications.

Deniz also reminded that the disease is not transmitted from person to person and spreads exclusively through sandfly bites. Dogs are considered the main reservoirs of the parasite, so it is important to follow veterinary prevention and use protective means for animals.

For prevention, the doctor recommends using repellents, wearing closed clothing in the evening, and using fine-mesh mosquito nets. It is also important to maintain cleanliness around the home, eliminating trash and organic waste that contribute to the breeding of insects.