Neglected Tropical Diseases Symptoms

Symptoms of neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) vary dramatically from disease to disease. Some immediately present symptoms such as fever, aches, rash, sores, or swelling of the lymph nodes or at the site of infection.

Some NTDs, such as sleeping sickness, leprosy, and guinea-worm disease, may not present symptoms for one or several years.

If treated, most NTDs are not fatal. But if left untreated, NTDs can lead to serious and chronic conditions and can even cause death. Because NTDs generally occur in regions with poor access to health care, many infected people likely die from their infections before the infections are ever reported.

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