How to Prevent Leishmaniasis?
The most effective way to prevent all forms of leishmaniasis is to avoid sand fly bites, especially in locations where leishmania is common. You can avoid bites by:
- Cover exposed skin with clothing, such as socks, long-sleeved shirts, and long pants.
- Wear EPA-registered insect repellent. The most potent repellants usually contain DEET.
- Kill sand flies indoors by spraying living and sleeping areas with insecticide.
- Ensure your room window is closed with screens in the windows.
- Sleep under mosquito bed netting. Some netting may be treated with insect repellent ms for extra protection.
Sand flies are smaller than mosquitoes, so your nettings and screens should have very small holes to keep flies out.