Sandfly Distribution and Risks of Leishmaniasis Transmission in Kinmen

Hai-Yun Ko

2008 Vol.24 NO.4

Correspondence Author: Hai-Yun Ko

Abstract:

A suspected case of kala-azar was reported by First Hospital in Xiamen City, Fujian Province, China. Kinmen County is an important harbor counterpart to Xiamen City, and has climatic and geographic similarities with Xiamen City. In order to evaluate the risk of leishmaniasis transmission in Kinmen, we studied sandfly distribution during May to July, 2007. The results showed that sandflies do exist in Kinmen County; they are Sergentemyia barraudi, which do not consume human blood. In addition, because there have been no reported cases of leishmaniasis in Kinmen, our initial evaluation showed that there is no immediate threat of Leishmania transmission. The environment in Kinmen is suited for sandfly to grow because there are lots of combat trenches and rodent caves. We recommend long term sandfly surveillance in collaboration with mosquito investigation to provide the basis for future disease control policies