Epidemiology of cutaneous leishmaniasis in Jordan: 1983-1992

The extent of the problem of cutaneous leishmaniasis in Jordan during the decade 1983 to 1992 was investigated.

Data were collected from the dermatology departments and the laboratories of the Royal Medical Services and the Ministry of Health as well as from private dermatologists. Two thousand two hundred and ninety-five cases were verified of whom men represented 80%. The majority (80%) were < 25 years with the highest percentage (31%) occurring in the 16 to 20-year age group.

The lowest number of cases was reported in June compared to the maximum in October, and the highest number recorded per year was 463 in 1992. For the decade, the Jordan Valley was the most important locality where 43% of the cases occurred. The incidence rate per 100,000 ranged from 1.89 in 1989 to 14.39 in 1984 and the period prevalence for the decade was 5.36 per 100,000. The time-lag between the appearance of a lesion and the first diagnosis extended from 0 to 23 months with the average being 2 months. The number of lesions per patient ranged from one to 45; 24% were located on the face, 28% on the upper extremity, 36% on the lower extremity, and 12% on other sites.

The factors that contributed to the findings include infected rodent, nonexposed army recruits and farm workers, land reclamatory and relaxation of preventative measures.