What is Black Fever?

Kala Azar - Black Fever
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What is Black Fever?

Black fever can be another name for Visceral Leishmaniasis, a parasitic disease caused by [Kala Azar Disease Caused By] a group of Leishmania parasites. It is transmitted to humans through the bites of infected female sandflies. The symptoms include fever, weight loss, anemia, enlargement of the spleen and liver, and low white blood cell counts. It can be fatal if left untreated.

Black fever can also be used to refer to Blackwater fever, a complication of malaria caused by the breakdown of red blood cells, which release a toxic substance called hemoglobin. Symptoms include high fever, chills, and dark urine. It is a rare but potentially life-threatening complication of malaria.

 

Black Fever Symptoms – What are the Symptoms of Black Fever? - Kala Azar Symptoms

The symptoms of visceral leishmaniasis, which is also known as black fever, can take weeks or months to develop after being bitten by an infected sandfly. Symptoms can vary depending on the severity of the infection and can include:

  1. Fever
  2. Fatigue
  3. Weight loss
  4. Enlargement of the spleen and liver
  5. Anemia (low red blood cell count)
  6. Low white blood cell count
  7. Night sweats
  8. Abdominal pain
  9. Diarrhea
  10. Loss of appetite
  11. Skin rash or sores.

Visceral leishmaniasis can be fatal if left untreated, so it is important to seek medical attention if you have been bitten by a sandfly and are experiencing any of these symptoms.

 

Preventive Measures for Black Fever

Visceral leishmaniasis, also known as black fever, can be prevented by taking certain precautions to avoid being bitten by infected sandflies. Here are some preventive measures:

  1. Avoid being outdoors during peak biting times for sandflies, which are typically from dusk to dawn.
  2. Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants to cover exposed skin.
  3. Use insect repellent containing DEET or other EPA-approved ingredients on exposed skin.
  4. Sleep in screened or air-conditioned rooms or use bed nets treated with insecticide.
  5. Remove any standing water near your home, as this can be a breeding ground for sandflies.
  6. Use insecticide spray indoors to kill sandflies.
  7. Keep your pets indoors at night, as they can also be bitten by sandflies.

If you suspect that you may have been bitten by an infected sandfly and are experiencing symptoms of visceral leishmaniasis, seek medical attention immediately. Early diagnosis and treatment are important to prevent serious complications and to ensure a full recovery.

 

Treatment for Black Fever? - Black Fever Treatment 

Visceral leishmaniasis, or black fever, is a serious disease that requires prompt treatment. Here are 10 solutions for a person who has been infected with the disease:

  1. Seek medical attention immediately if you suspect you have been infected.
  2. Get a proper diagnosis, as the symptoms of black fever can be similar to other diseases.
  3. Follow the treatment plan prescribed by your healthcare provider.
  4. Take all medication as directed, even if you start feeling better.
  5. Get plenty of rest and stay hydrated.
  6. Eat a nutritious diet to help your body fight the infection.
  7. Avoid alcohol and other substances that can weaken your immune system.
  8. Monitor your symptoms and report any changes to your healthcare provider.
  9. Take steps to prevent the spread of infection to others by avoiding close contact and practicing good hygiene.
  10. Follow up with your healthcare provider as directed to ensure that the infection has been fully treated.

 

Status of Kala Azar / Black Fever in India

Visceral leishmaniasis, commonly known as black fever, is endemic in certain parts of India. The disease is most prevalent in the eastern states of Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), India accounts for the majority of cases of visceral leishmaniasis worldwide.

The Indian government has made efforts to control the spread of the disease, including implementing a National Kala-azar Elimination Program and providing free diagnosis and treatment. 

However, the disease remains a significant public health problem in certain areas, particularly in rural and impoverished communities. The WHO reports that there were approximately 8,000 cases of visceral leishmaniasis in India in 2020.


What is National Kala-azar Elimination Program?

The National Kala-azar Elimination Program (NKEP) is a program launched by the Indian government in 2005 with the aim of eliminating visceral leishmaniasis (VL), also known as black fever, as a public health problem in India. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare implements the program and is supported by the World Health Organization (WHO).

The NKEP has several objectives, including early diagnosis and prompt treatment of VL cases, strengthening health systems to provide effective and sustainable VL control, and improving awareness and community participation in the prevention and control of the disease. 

The program also aims to strengthen disease surveillance and monitoring systems, and conduct research to improve understanding of the disease and its transmission.

The NKEP employs a variety of strategies to achieve its objectives, including the use of insecticide-treated bed nets to prevent sandfly bites, active case detection and treatment of VL cases, and community mobilization and awareness campaigns. 

The program also provides free diagnosis and treatment for VL patients and has established specialized treatment centers for the disease in endemic areas.


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