Epidemiological Pattern of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis in Al-Khums City, Libya: A Descriptive Study (2024–2025)

Salem Emhemed  Juwaid; Fawzia Takala; Fawzia Kahbar; Mostafa Ramadan Dokhan; Nouara Elazirg Elammari

المؤلفون

Salem Emhemed Juwaid كلية التقنية الطبية
Fawzia Takala Department of Biology Faculty of Science University of Al-Margeb Libya
Fawzia Kahbar Department of Biology Faculty of Education Zawia University Libya
Mostafa Ramadan Dokhan Department of Zoology Faculty of Science University of Sabratha Libya
Nouara Elazirg Elammari Department of Parasitology Faculty of Medicine Benghazi University Libya

الكلمات المفتاحية:

Cutaneous، Leishmaniasis، Vector، Sandflie، Tropical disease

الملخص

Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is a vector-born parasitic diseaseendemic in

many Mediterranean and Middle Eastern regions. This study describes the

epidemiological characteristics of CL in Al-Khums City, Libya, between 2024

and 2025. Data from 802 confirmed cases were analyzed according to gender,

age, region, and monthly distribution. Males accounted for 61.7% of cases.

The most affected age group was 45–54 years (16.2%). Seasonal variationwas

marked, with case peaks in December 163 ( 20.3%)and January 209 (26.0%) . Pearson

correlation revealed a strong inverse relationship between monthprogression

and CL incidence (r = −0.96, p = 0.001). Al-Amamera, Al-Daawon, and Al-

Ma‘qula were identified as major hotspots. Findings highlight significant

seasonal and spatial clustering of CL and underscore the need for targeted

winter-season vector control.

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