Kala-azar, << `kah` lah ah ZAHR, >> is a disease that affects humans and animals. It is caused by a parasite that belongs to Leishmania, a group of one-celled organisms. The disease occurs throughout the warmer parts of Asia, the Mediterranean region, and various parts of Africa and South America. In humans it causes fever, anemia, and enlargement of the liver, spleen, and lymph nodes. Kala-azar in Hindi means black fever, which refers to the darkening of the skin that may occur. It also is known as dumdum fever, named after a town in India that has suffered from kala-azar epidemics.
Kala-azar is transmitted by various species of sand flies and commonly affects dogs and rodents. It is usually fatal if untreated. Treatment includes use of the drug stibogluconate.
