Leishmaniasis Acquired in the Iraqi Theater of Operations: Lessons Learned

Between August 2002 and February 2004, the Department of Defense identified 522 cases of cutaneous leishmaniasis in military personnel. This commentary examines reasons why there were so many cases of leishmaniasis during this conflict as compared with Operation Desert Storm. Lessons learned can be applied to reduce the risk to US personnel during future conflicts. Among the factors to be considered are environment, exposure, vector control, and the failure to deliver insect repellent to deployed US personnel.