Geographical Distribution of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis and Its Relationship With Climate Change in Southeastern Morocco

Study Area

The province of Errachidia (Figure 1) covers an area of 42852 km² and has a population of nearly 418451 people according to the national census of 2014 (RGPH 2015). Geographically, it is demarcated by the province of Midelt, to the north-east by the province of Figuig, to the south and southeast by Algeria and to the west by the two provinces of Tinghir and Zagora.

After the creation of the two new provinces, Midelt and Tinghir, the number of municipalities in the province of Errachidia became 29 municipalities (7 urban centers and 22 rural centers).

Figure 1.

Localization of the study area

Source: (Authors)

The climate of Errachidia province is characterized by apparent variability in temperature (Figure 2) and humidity (semi-desert climate), as well as relatively low rainfall throughout the year. Very high summer temperatures (31.5^oC as average to the month of July) and very low temperatures of winter (5^oC as average in January). Low rainfall and irregularly distributed over time and space. Most of the territory is less than 100 mm of rain per year (Figure 3). However, the wind speed is above 57.6 km/h in May, June, July, and in August.

Figure 2.

Average annual temperatures in Errachidia province

Source: (Ben Salem, 2014)

Figure 3.

Average annual precipitation in Errachidia province

Source: (Ben Salem, 2014)