Speaker
Description
Background: Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is a neglected tropical disease (NTD) that remains a major public health concern in Morocco, with recurrent endemic transmission in many provinces. This retrospective study assessed the epidemiological trends of CL in Essaouira between 2020 and 2024, while also examining climatic influences (temperature, relative humidity, precipitation) and screening practices.
Methods: Data were obtained from provincial health authorities and included all reported cases during the study period.
Results: A total of 779 cases were reported, with annual fluctuations showing 50 cases in 2020, 69 in 2021, 103 in 2022, 162 in 2023, and a sharp increase to 395 cases in 2024. The disease burden was higher in rural communes. Children aged 1–15 years accounted for 62.1% of valid cases, confirming the high vulnerability of younger populations. A slight female predominance was also noted. Seasonal variation persisted, with most cases detected during cooler months. Climatic patterns suggested that higher humidity and moderate temperatures favored transmission dynamics, while precipitation peaks were linked to shifts in incidence. Active screening declined significantly between late 2019 and 2022, probably due to COVID-19-related disruption in health services and community outreach. In 2024, screening activities resumed, contributing to the sharp rise in reported cases.
Conclusion: These findings highlight the reemergence of CL in Essaouira, with a pronounced increase in cases in 2024. Strengthened surveillance, sustained community-based screening, and the integration of climate-sensitive early warning tools are urgently needed to improve disease control and reduce the burden in endemic communities.
Keywords: Cutaneous leishmaniasis ; Essaouira, Morocco ; Epidemiology; Screening; Climate factors
