DEFER:

• For 12 months from date of leaving the at risk area

PERMANTENTLY EXCLUDE:

• If the donor  has had a confirmed or suspected diagnosis of Leishmaniasis (Kala-Azar)

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Leishmaniasis is caused by infection with Leishmania parasites, spread by the bite of sandflies. Sandflies become infected by sucking blood from an infected animal or person. Sandflies are smaller than mosquitoes and their bites can go unnoticed

The most common forms are Cutaneous Leishmaniasis which causes skin sores and Visceral Leishmaniasis (Kala Azar) which affects internal organs

The skin sores of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis usually develop within a few weeks or months of the sand-fly bite and Visceral Leishmaniasis can take months or even years to develop symptoms. Some people have a silent infection without any signs or symptoms. Leishmaniasis can be transmitted by blood transfusions