Language

English

Publication Date

5-1-2026

Journal

PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases

DOI

10.1371/journal.pntd.0014297

PMID

42102101

PMCID

PMC13155608

PubMedCentral® Posted Date

5-8-2026

PubMedCentral® Full Text Version

Post-print

Abstract

Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL), once considered a travel-associated tropical disease, is increasingly transmitted within the United States, particularly in southern regions. Despite mounting evidence of local transmission, public health recognition and preventive infrastructure remain limited. This Viewpoint highlights the urgent need to shift the U.S. CL response from questioning endemicity to preventing transmission. We review ecological, clinical, and surveillance data demonstrating the presence of competent vectors, animal reservoirs, and autochthonous human cases. Diagnostic delays, underreporting, and insufficient provider training contribute to missed prevention opportunities. Climate change and peri-urban rodent-human contact data further heighten future risk. A coordinated response is essential, including national notifiability, expanded diagnostics, integrated vector and reservoir surveillance, clinical education, and One Health-focused research. Without immediate action, CL risks becoming an entrenched, neglected zoonosis in the United States.

Keywords

Humans, Leishmaniasis, Cutaneous, United States, Animals, Zoonoses, Disease Reservoirs, Disease Transmission, Infectious

Published Open-Access

yes

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