a form of cutaneous leishmaniasis characterized by rural distribution of human cases near infected rodents, particularly communal ground squirrels; characterized by acute rapidly developing dermal lesions that become severely inflamed, with moist necrotizing sores or ulcers that heal in 2-8 months after a 2-4-month incubation period; among nonimmune immigrants, multiple lesions may develop, which heal more slowly and leave disabling or disfiguring scars. A strong delayed hypersensitivity and involvement of immune complexes play a role in necrosis, which is part of the healing process and of the strong specific immunity that follows. SYN: acute cutaneous leishmaniasis, rural cutaneous leishmaniasis, wet cutaneous leishmaniasis.