Kala-azar is an infection due to the parasite that grows
in the sandfly. The disease is more commonly seen in Bihar,
West Bengal and Assam.
SYMPTOMS: Darkening of the skin, anaemia, fever, bleeding from the nose, enlargement of
the liver and
spleen, and malnutrition are the common features of this
disease. If untreated, 80% to 90% of patients die.
TREATMENT: Drugs are now available for this serious disease. With treatment, majority of
the patients recover completely.
