Sandfly fever (Phlebotomus fever/Pappataci fever) is transmitted by Phlebotomus papatasi. The incubation period of sandfly fever is approximately:
- A 3–6 days ✓
- B 1–2 days
- C 7–14 days
- D 14–21 days
Correct answer: A. 3–6 days
Explanation
Sandfly fever (Phlebovirus, family Phenuiviridae) has an incubation period of 3–6 days (range 2–9 days). The disease is self-limited (3–4 days), characterised by acute fever, severe headache, myalgia, photophobia and retro-orbital pain. Phlebotomus papatasi (3-day fever sandfly) is the vector; it does not bite through clothing and is killed by DDT residual spraying. Visceral leishmaniasis (kala-azar) is transmitted by Phlebotomus argentipes.
Reference: Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, 27th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
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