Kala azar

Kala azar or visceral leishmaniasis is a severe form of leishmaniasis, a protozoan disease caused by Leishmania parasites. It is transmitted by insect vectors (sandflies) that are found in the tropical and temperate regions. Among parasitic diseases, kala azar is the 2^nd largest killer after malaria. It affects internal organs like spleen, liver and bone barrow and results in death if left untreated. 18 cases have been reported this year in Bihar though the state government has set a target to eliminate the disease by 2022.