Why in the News?

India is poised to eliminate Kala-azar, also known as Visceral Leishmaniasis, as a public health concern. The country has consistently reported fewer than one case per 10,000 people for two consecutive years, fulfilling the World Health Organization's (WHO) criteria for elimination certification. This significant achievement marks a major milestone in India's fight against this parasitic disease.

About Kala-azar

• Pathogen: Protozoa parasite from over 20 Leishmania species.
• Transmission: Bites of infected female phlebotomine sandflies, which feed on blood to produce eggs.
• Symptoms: Irregular bouts of fever, weight loss, enlargement of the spleen and liver, and anaemia.
• Prevalence: Most cases occur in Brazil, east Africa and India (four endemic states are Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal).
• Kala-azar is the second deadliest parasitic disease after malaria in India.