The Environmental Protection Ministry expressed a concern over the growing number of Cutaneous leishmaniasis cases reported in Israel over the past year, and has been able to obtain NIS 10 million (roughly $2.6 million) in government funds to curb a potential outbreak. Cutaneous leishmaniasis, commonly known as the "Oriental sore," or the "Aleppo boil," is a skin infection caused by a single-celled parasite. It is usually transmitted by sandflies. The ministry appealed to the cabinet for funds meant to help at-risk communities, in the form of setting up sandfly traps and building fences to keep the rock hyrax – which is a known carrier – out. According to the Environmental Protection Ministry's data, over 1,650 people in 50 communities is Israel have contracted the Oriental sore over the past decade, especially around the Sea of Galilee, the Judea Mountains, the western Negev, the Arava and the Beit Shean Valley. The Health Ministry has reports of 293 patients in 2011 – double the number of cases reported in 2010. The funds are to be allocated across three years. "This is a difficult disease that has inflicted many and left them scarred, literally," Environmental Protection Minister Gilad Erdan said. "After years of ignoring this hazard, the government is taking on dealing with this national infliction." Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter