PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases

Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL), once considered a travel-associated tropical disease, is increasingly transmitted within the United States, particularly in southern regions. Despite mounting evidence of local transmission, public health recognition and preventive infrastructure remain limited. 

Chagas disease affects 6–7 million people worldwide and causes approximately 12,000 deaths annually. While microscopy remains the most accessible tool in resource constrained settings, its effectiveness depends on skilled personnel, creating diagnostic bottlenecks.

Dengue virus (DENV) and Zika virus (ZIKV) share the mosquito vector Aedes aegypti and together represent an increasing global public health threat. This risk has become tangible, as evidenced by Bangladesh’s first confirmed DENV–ZIKV co-infections during the 2023 dengue outbreak, marking a significant escalation in arboviral risk within the country.