INCIDENCE OF CUTANEOUS LEISHMANIASIS IN Al-AHSA, SAUDI ARABIA FROM 2011 TO 2013

Background: Different studies showed a fluctuating incidence of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis (CL) cases in correlation to age, gender, ethnicity, area, and season in Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia. Aim of the study: We aimed to study the epidemiological trends of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis in Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia. Materials & Methods: In this retrospective study, data gathered from the Vector Control Unit was analyzed. All the reported cases starting from 2011 to 2013 were included in the study. The total number of cases were 761. Results: The findings clearly showed an increase in the incidence of CL in the study years from 2011 to 2013. The number of cases started to increase in December and reached its peak in January. We found exceptionally high incidence in some districts e.g. Al-Jarn (471/100,000). The incidence was significantly (P