- The incubation period for visceral leishmaniasis (kala-azar) typically ranges from 2 weeks to 6 months, reflecting the time taken for the parasite to multiply and produce symptomatic infection.
- This period varies depending on the host’s immune response and parasite load. Early symptoms are often nonspecific, making the disease challenging to diagnose without this consideration.
- Understanding this incubation window is crucial for epidemiological tracking and timely diagnosis in endemic areas.

Reference: Davidson’s Principles and Practice of Medicine, 23rd Edition, Chapter: Protozoal Infections, Page 993.