Do you know how leishmaniasis is transmitted? This is a disease that is transmitted through a vector insect that is the female sandfly, which has previously ingested blood from a reservoir infected with the parasites. Once they are in the intestines of the insect, they multiply rapidly and, once they have finished their development, go to the sandfly's trunk, from where they will be inoculated with the bite.
And who can they infect? Especially dogs, but also people and rodents, so it is very important to take preventive measures and thus protect all members of the family, whether they have two legs or four legs.
Most common symptoms of leishmaniasis
All mammals have a defense system that is responsible for eliminating any foreign body that could endanger the health of the body: the immune system. What about leishmaniasis? That once they have reached the bloodstream, macrophages - cells that are responsible for fighting these potentially dangerous organisms - are infected by parasites, and eventually die.
When this happens, symptoms appear. The most common are the following:
- Swelling of the sting area.
- Acute diarrhea.
- Anemia.
- Loss of weight and appetite.
- Appearance of nodules on the face and / or extremities.
How to avoid contagion?
How Leishmaniasis Is Spread
Fortunately, we can currently prevent, at least 98%, that our dog has this disease, and that is by putting a sandfly repellent necklace, and the leishmaniasis vaccine. But any remedy is little, so if you go out for a walk, it is worth spraying it with citronella spray, which is a natural repellent, and put mosquito nets on the windows if you want to have them open during the summer.
In this way, you will keep these parasites away from your home.