Integrated visceral leishmaniasis surveillance system in primary care for children in Meshkin-Shahr district, north-western Islamic Republic of Iran

ABSTRACT

In 2001 a visceral leishmaniasis (VL) surveillance system was set up for children aged ≤ 12 years inthe primary health system in Meshkin-Shahr district of Ardebil province, north-western Islamic Republic ofIran. All cases with clinical signs and symptoms of VL and positive by the direct agglutination test were referredfor physical examination and treatment. The mean annual incidence of VL decreased significantly from 1.88before (1985–2000) to 0.77 per 1000 child population after the intervention (2001–07). In a control area with nosurveillance, it increased from 0.11 to 0.23 per 1000. Early detection of VL using practical serological tests andtimely treatment of cases could decrease the mortality and morbidity rates of VL in endemic areas