There's something new we all have to worry about when we decide to leave our homes and venture outside.
According to findings from the Center for Disease and Prevention, a flesh-eating parasite that scientists thought only existed in tropical destinations has made its way to the southern states, including Texas.
In fact, the flesh-eating parasite is now an "endemic" in Texas, meaning that it is "regularly occurring within an area or community." Basically, this parasite is setting up shop and is looking to stay a while.
According to research from the World Health Organization, bites from infected female phlebotomine sandflies are resulting in Leishmaniasis, which commonly cause skin sores and lesions to appear.
The most extreme and rare cases of Leishmaniasis can result in death.
Currently, there are no vaccines available for leishmaniasis in humans, though per MySA hospitals have some options for drugs in order to treat patients suffering from the disease.
Dr. Mary Kamb of the CDC's Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria advises Texans to cover their skin while outdoors and applying insect repellents and insecticides when and where they can.
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