What is black fever or Kala-Azar? Is it dangerous? Find out symptoms, and prevention here

As many as 65 cases of black fever or Kala Azar have been reported in several districts in West Bengal over the past few weeks. Districts, where a maximum number of cases was registered, include Darjeeling, Malda, Uttar Dinajpur, Dakshin Dinajpur, and Kalimpong. Birbhum, Bankura, Purulia, and Murshidabad districts have also reported a few cases.

What causes Kala-Azar 

Kala-Azar or Visceral Leishmaniasis (VL) is a disease, caused by the parasite, Leishmania donovani. It is mainly transmitted by bites of sandflies infected with the parasite 'leishmania donovani'.

Kala-Azar symptoms

The common symptoms are persistent fever, weight loss, enlargement of the spleen and liver, and anemia among others. In some cases, the skin may become dry, thin and scaly in patches and hair may be lost.

In people with a light skin tone, greyish discoloration of the skin of hands, feet, abdomen and face may be seen, that is why the disease is also called black fever.

Kala-Azar treatment free in Bengal

The West Bengal government has announced that it will provide free treatment to Kala-Azar patients. According to a senior official of the Bengal health department, doctors, hospitals and private labs have been asked to immediately bring the matter to the attention of the district health officer in they report the case of Kala Azar.

"All expenses of treatment along with meals will be borne by the state health department. The district chief health officer will monitor the whole matter,” the official said, according to a PTI report.