In 2000, investigation into an ulcerative disease in the tails of captive Red Kangaroos (Macropus rufus) resident in the Top End led to the identification of a probable Leishmania species as the cause. The discovery led to some media interest and the concern of the possibility of spread to humans. This article is a very brief overview of human leishmaniasis with the aim of informing health care professionals and the public about this disease and examining the risks to human health in the NT.