Previously Rare Leishmaniasis Disease Afflicting Iraqi Children Because of Destroyed Iraq Health System

Children are particularly at risk because they typically have weaker immune systems than adults. A single sand fly bite can transmit the disease.

Though the disease was first identified in Iraq more than a century ago, outbreaks were rare during Saddam Hussein's regime. But since the conflict began, experts say the destroyed health system has opened the way for diseases lurking in the environment.

"The war has exacerbated the problems in Iraq that are one or two decades old," said Claire Hajaj, a spokeswoman for UNICEF's Iraq office. "Their health system has been undermined by violence, insecurity and sabotage."