A viral illness, caused by phlebovirus, conveyed by the bite of a small hairy midge or sandfly (Phlebotomus papatasi). The incubation period is 3–7 days.
Symptoms
There are headache, feverishness, general sensations like those of INFLUENZA, flushed face and bloodshot eyes, but no signs of CATARRH. The fever passes off in three days, but the patient may take some time to convalesce.
Treatment
As there is no specific remedy, PROPHYLAXIS is important. This consists of the spraying of rooms with an insecticide such as GAMMEXANE; using insect repellents such as dimethyl phthalate on exposed parts of the body (e.g. ankles, wrists and face), particularly at sunset; and using sandfly nets at night.