By Omar Abdurrahman
DEIR EZ-ZOR, Syria (North Press) – In Deir ez-Zor Governorate, eastern Syria, residents are grappling with a severe outbreak of leishmaniasis, a parasitic disease transmitted through sandfly bites.
The rapid spread of this disease has prompted local health authorities and organizations to call for comprehensive studies and urgent interventions to mitigate its effects on daily life.
A devastating disease
Leishmaniasis, caused by the Leishmania protozoa, manifests primarily in two forms: cutaneous leishmaniasis, which affects the skin, and the more dangerous visceral leishmaniasis, which can be fatal if untreated.
While the cutaneous form is more common in eastern Syria, its impact is profound, particularly for children, as it leaves long-lasting scars and psychological trauma.
A mother’s struggle
Umm Azhar, a resident of the town of Baghuz, east of Deir ez-Zor, recounted the harrowing experience of her eight-year-old son, Azhar. Initially mistaking the sores on his face for harmless pimples, she attempted to treat them with traditional remedies. However, the lesions quickly spread, covering his face and arms.
Realizing the severity of his condition, Umm Azhar sought help at a local health center where her son was diagnosed with leishmaniasis. Although the free treatment provided at the center eventually improved his condition, the journey to recovery was long and difficult.
Even though Azhar has now fully recovered, the scars on his face remain—a constant reminder of the disease’s physical and emotional toll.
“There are so many children suffering from this,” Umm Azhar said. “We need more support for treatment and help with the psychological effects of the scars.”
Increasing cases among children
In the town of Shaafah, east of Deir ez-Zor, Ali al-La’lou shared a similar story of his nine-year-old daughter, Reem. Severe itching and pain accompanied the sores that appeared on her forehead, leading to a diagnosis of leishmaniasis.
Although Reem has recovered, the scars left behind have severely affected her self-confidence, raising concerns about the long-term psychological impact.
Reem’s family, like many others, is calling for more specialized health support in the region, particularly for children.
They emphasize the urgent need for dedicated treatment centers to address both the physical and mental repercussions of this widespread disease.
A growing epidemic
Muhammad Sultan, a health official in the east of Deir ez-Zor, warned that the region has become a hotspot for leishmaniasis in recent years.
Since the beginning of the year, confirmed cases have surged past 10,000—a 60% increase compared to 2023.
“The disease typically starts with small sores on the face and limbs,” Sultan explained. “But over time, these sores expand, causing severe pain, itching, and, even after recovery, permanent scarring.”
“This not only impacts the physical health of the patients but also their psychological and social well-being,” he added.
Combating the crisis
Organizations working in the region are striving to combat the spread of leishmaniasis. Abdullah al-Ali, a supervisor with an NGO focused on disease prevention, highlighted the organization’s efforts over the past three years.
These include offering free medical care through mobile clinics and health centers, providing necessary tests and medications, and running awareness campaigns to educate the public on prevention and symptoms.
“We have implemented rodent control programs, as rodents are a primary host of the disease-carrying sandflies, and regularly spray insecticides in affected areas,” al-Ali said.
However, despite these efforts, the scale of the outbreak remains overwhelming. “The fight against leishmaniasis requires significant resources and coordination,” al-Ali noted.
“We need more support from all sectors—government agencies, international NGOs, and local communities—to provide the health and relief assistance these people need,” he stressed.