Leprosy cases on the rise in DK & Udupi

Team Udayavani, Aug 19, 2023, 11:26 AM IST

Representative image (source: iStock)

Mangaluru: In a worrying trend, leprosy cases have risen significantly in the twin coastal districts of the state in the past three years. To address this issue, the health department is undertaking a survey of skin lesions to find potential leprosy patients.

ASHA workers are going from house to house, gathering information about leprosy and its symptoms, like white spots on the skin. If they find any symptoms, they inform the nearest health centers. This effort has been gined pace in recent days.

In the Dakshina Kannada district, there were 37 cases of leprosy in 2019-20, but this number soared to 75 in 2022-23. The situation in Udupi district also worrying with 10 cases being reported from April 2023 until now.

What’s causing the sudden rise in Leprosy?

According to health department officials, there are several reasons for the surge in Leprosy cases. Primary among them is migration. As people move from or to Dakshina Kannada district for work, the chances of contact with leprosy patient increase.  Leprosy was detected in 25 migrant labourers last year, they said.

Leprosy Symptoms

Leprosy, also known as Hansen’s disease, is mainly spread through prolonged and close contact with an infected person. However, it’s important to note that leprosy is not highly contagious, and most people have a natural resistance to the bacteria that cause the disease.

The exact way leprosy spreads is not fully understood, but it’s believed to occur through respiratory droplets, such as when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

Leprosy, in the initial stages, affects the skin and nerves and can show up in several ways. People with leprosy might notice white or pale spots on their skin, and sometimes these spots feel different from the rest of the skin. Red bumps that are raised might also appear, and these could be numb to the touch. Sometimes, the nerves underneath the skin might become thick and swollen, which can cause discomfort. People with leprosy might experience a loss of feeling in certain areas of their body, making it hard to sense things.

Additionally, leprosy can even affect the muscles around the eyes, causing problems with blinking or closing the eyes properly.

If someone sees these changes in their body, it’s important to talk to a doctor to figure out what’s happening and get the right treatment. Early action can really help when dealing with leprosy.

Prevention Measures: 

The health department has increased vigil against leprosy. Officials are keeping a close watch on areas where the disease has been detected. In Dakshina Kannada, disease surveillance has increased in Puttur and Belthangady where most cases were found.

Acknowledging the rising cases, special “Skin Camps” are being held in Udupi to detect the disease early. Apart from district health officials, medical experts from KMC Hospital as well as NGO have been roped in to detect leprosy symptoms early.

The health department is also planning a massive campaign called “SPARSH” to raise awareness. This campaign will reach out to the public informing them about leprosy and its prevention.

“The health department is taking all possible measures to stop the spread of leprosy. There are effective treatment options if its caught early. ASHA workers are looking for white spots during their house visits. Camps are also being held at various places to screen patients. If anyone notices white spots on their body, they should go to the nearest hospital and see a doctor,” said  Dr. Sudarshan and Dr. Lata Nayak, Leprosy Control Officers, D.K. and Udupi respectively.