Iranian Journal of

---

Background & Objectives: Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death worldwide and is predicted to retain this position until 2020. The aim of the present study was to map cardiovascular mortality rates in Kerman Province counties during 2004-2005.
Methods: In this descriptive study we collected all mortality data registered in various counties of Kerman Province. We calculated mortality rates and drew maps showing the geographical distribution of the dead cases.
Results: Total cardiovascular mortality was higher in the northern counties. The pattern is the same in males and females
Conclusions: The reasons for higher mortality in the northern regions of the province may include a greater prevalence of major cardiovascular risk factors such as physical inactivity, unhealthy diets, and smoking.

---

Background and Objectives: Anthroponotic cutaneous leishmaniasis (ACL) is restricted to humans; thus, prompt diagnosis and early treatment are significant measures to control the disease. This study was conducted to determine the effect of direct active case- detection and early treatment on the control of ACL in Bam District.

Methods: This retrospective cohort study was performed based on intervention and nonintervention. After the 2003 earthquake, an equipped treatment center was established to actively detect CL cases following the CL epidemic. This intervention was carried out in 2007 and the suspected cases were referred to the center for diagnosis and treatment Another comparable CL treatment center was selected as the control in Kerman. The recorded data of the patients were analyzed with statistical tests at p<0.05.

Results: The incidence rate steadily increased to 30% from 2003 to 2007 whereas the incidence gradually decreased to 1% after the intervention. However, by contrast, the incidence rate increased significantly in the control area. The treatment failure and relapse rate of ACL showed no significant difference with the control group before and after the intervention. The effectiveness of the intervention was calculated to be 85%.

Conclusion: Active case-detection and early treatment of ACL could be an effective measure in controlling ACL, particularly during epidemics. Lessons learned from the 2003 Bam earthquake could be used as a suitable model for ACL endemic areas, nationally and globally.