Treatment continues for 83 leprosy infected persons identified during the previous surveys; early treatment essential to prevent deformity of organs

Mysuru: In a major relief, no new leprosy cases have been reported in the district, during the latest Sparsh Leprosy Awareness Programme conducted under the National Leprosy Eradication Programme held from Jan. 30 to Feb. 13, in the State.

The District Leprosy Eradication Division had undertaken the district-wide campaign, during which a door-to-door survey was conducted, in coordination with officers of the District Administration, Zilla Panchayat and the Office of District Health Officer (DHO).

The treatment of 83 leprosy infected persons, identified during the previous surveys, is being monitored by District Leprosy Eradication Division. Among them, 61 cases were identified between April and December 2024, and among the total number of leprosy infected persons, include 23 women and 3 children.

Taluk-wise, T. Narasipur taluk has highest number of 38 leprosy infected, followed by 19 in Nanjangud, Mysuru taluk (Rural-7 and Urban- 11), H.D. Kote-3, Periyapatna-2, K.R. Nagar-2 and Hunsur-1.

How leprosy spreads?

Leprosy is considered as one of the most ancient diseases, which is caused by Mycobacterium leprae, which is mostly related to the skin and nerves. When a leprosy patient sneezes or coughs or spits the phlegm, the bacteria spreads through the air and infects the healthy persons. However, it is not genetically caused infection and the infection won’t spread either by touching or shaking the hands of the infected persons.

If the leprosy is treated at the early stages of infection, the possibilities of deformity or organs can be avoided. The Leprosy causes deformity of organs and affects the health, stunting the body.

The symptoms

It may take several months to years to identify the symptoms of infection in the skin. The skin scar noticed in a short span, probably cannot be considered as the case of leprosy. The birth marks cannot be considered as leprosy, as the scar caused by leprosy infection, gradually grows, without causing any sensation of itching.

 Any marks in white or copper colour, noticed on the body, without any itching or sense of touching, are related to leprosy. However, to confirm the infection, one should undergo medical examination. The numbness of the body or swelling of the nerves and no sense of touching in the hands or legs, are considered as the symptoms of leprosy. It can be completely cured through Multi-Disciplinary Treatment (MDT), with free medicines available at all the Government Hospitals.

District Leprosy Eradication Officer Dr. B. Brunda said that, with free medicines for the treatment of leprosy patients provided at all the Government Hospitals, nobody should maintain secrecy about the infection, as the possible deformity of organs can be avoided. The infected persons will be given Multi Cellular Rubber (MCR) footwear to check the cause for ulcer in them. The Government provides two pairs of MCR footwear every year, for free of cost, along with the training in physical exercise and self-care kits containing the medicines, by organising Disability Prevention & Medical Rehabilitation (DPMR) camp.

To address deformity in Leprosy patients, Reconstructive Surgery (RCS) is conducted for free by the Government. Those who undergo surgery, will also be provided a financial assistance of Rs. 12,000 by the Government. To identify the cases, the Primary Health Care (PHC) staff will be conducting a survey every Wednesday under Leprosy Day. That apart, a health check-up camp, involving all the medical experts, will be conducted once in every three months. However, in the recent door-to-door survey conducted in the district, no new Leprosy cases have been identified.

—Dr. B. Brinda, District Leprosy Eradication Officer, Mysuru