ISIS fighters hit by deadly flesh-eating disease
Hundreds of Islamic State fighters in the Syrian city of Raqqa, the capital of the self-proclaimed ISIS caliphate, have been infected by Leishmaniasis which can become fatal if not treated with a simple course of medicine.
Leishmaniasis is a disease caused by a parasite and is transmitted by the bite of certain types of sand flies. Worldwide, about 2 million new cases are reported each year causing 20,000 to 50,000 deaths. The disease causes large open wounds which eat away flesh and enlarged spleen and liver.
Initial cases were reported in war-torn Syria last year and doctors from organisations like Medicines Sans Frontieres were trying to curb the outbreak, but have left the area since ISIS took control.
Local medics with little experience of treating Leishmaniasis are left to deal with patients now. It is also reported that jihadi fighters are refusing medical treatment which has led to it spreading extensively.
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