Visceral Leishmaniasis‐Associated Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis in a Traveler Returning From a Pilgrimage to the Camino de Santiago

Abstract

We report the case of a 73-year-old American traveler who presented with 3 weeks of fatigue, fevers, chills, and pancytopenia. Clinical and laboratory findings were consistent with hemophagocytic lymphohystiocytosis (HLH) and bone marrow biopsy revealed amastigotes consistent with visceral leishmaniasis. The range of endemic visceral leishmaniasis transmission now extends into northern Spain and travelers to this region should use personal protective measures against sand fly exposure.