Lesihmanisasis

 "Leishmanisasis is a parasitic disease transmitted by the bite of sand flies" (Answers.com) The disease can now be found in 88 countries including the Middle East. It is believed that 350 million people are infected worldwide and it is expected to grow at a rate of 1.5 to 2 million cases per year. The disease first starts in animals such as dogs, rodents, and sloths. " When a sand fly takes blood from an infected mammal, it will ingest leishmania parasites called amastigote along with the blood" (Answers.com) The transformation process begins shortly after. Over seven days, the leishmanisasis develops within the sand fly and becomes infectious. When the sand fly goes to drink the blood of another mammal, that is when the leishmanisaisi is transmitted and infects the new host. Similar to how mosquito's infect people with the West Nile virus. Once infected there are three possible ways the disease can be transmitted. Through blood transfusions, shared needles, and skin to skin contact if the infected area in open. This disease can be fatal if left untreated.

Work Cited

 http://www.answers.com/topic/leishmaniasis