Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is a serious and increasing public health problem in Al-Majmaah district of Riyadh region. In 1994 a total of 377 cases of clinically diagnosed CL were reported from Al-Majmaah district with an attack rate of 9.15 per 1000 population, ranking among the second highest of all districts of Riyadh region for the same year. Omrajowm; a small Bedouin settlement (Hejra) in Al-Majmaah district (population 399) had an attack rate of 110 per 1000 population which was the highest among other sub-districts in the area. This town has a settled population and has no farms.
Methodology
A survey was conducted to study the distribution and the risk factors that could contribute in transmission of the disease in Omrajowm.
Results
Prior to July 1992, CL had not been diagnosed as a locally acquired disease in Omrajowm. Between July 1992 and July 1994 a total of 54 cases were clinically diagnosed as CL, all ages were found to be affected and male to female ratio was almost 1:1. Of all cases, 40 (74.1%) were Saudis. The disease was not found to be associated with occupational hazards. The peak infection period was found to be during summer season, the commonest sites of infection were the lower extremities, followed by the upper extremities and then the face. Multiple lesions were present in 51% of cases and permanent scars were present in 98% of cases.
Conclusion
We found that presence of abandoned houses, and cracked walls were significantly potential risk factors in transmitting the disease. Health messages on transmission of the disease and closing and pasting of cracked walls, in addition to frequent and adequate spraying of insecticides as well as either occupying or destroying abandoned houses are mandatory in order to control the disease.