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Published on October 18, 2007

 A number of animals have also tested positive, the Provincial Livestock Office said yesterday.

Hasadej Rakkhaphan, 45, was diagnosed with the condition after reporting exhaustion for about a month. He was treated at Phromkiri Hospital before being transferred to Prince of Songkhla University Hospital, and is recovering, doctors said.

He lost about 15 per cent of his blood and required a transfusion.

Leishmaniasis is caused by parasites transmitted by the bites of sand flies.

Medical teams went to the victim's village and tested neighbours. No other cases have been discovered.

Meanwhile, the livestock office discovered the disease in one cow and a cat owned by a neighbour. The cat was imported from Malaysia and has been destroyed, while the cow will be killed soon.

Livestock officer Dr Chao-walit Thaneeto said the office continued looking for other cases. He said the disease could have been introduced to the country by a mosquito-net seller from Pakistan. Other infections have been reported in Nan and Phang Nga.

Disease Control Department director-general Dr Thawat Suntrajarn said the Hasadej case was the fifth in Thailand. The disease is not endemic to the country.

Leishmaniasis is, however, common in the Middle East, Africa and Central and South America. Thawat encouraged people working or spending time in jungle or forest areas with sand flies to use repellents.

He said the disease was difficult to contract but advised people to consult a doctor immediately if they suspect infection.

Symptoms appear six months to a year after infection and include fever and sores at the bite site that leave a scar after healing.

The Nation