Leprosy drive finds 672 suspected cases in Dharashiv; four new patients confirmed

Dharashiv: A special campaign under the National Leprosy Eradication Programme is under way in the district from September 16 to October 31 to dispel fear and misconceptions about the disease and diagnose patients early. By October 2, 1,28,452 people had been screened and 672 suspected cases identified, of whom 480 have completed medical examination.

The public health department surveyed 25,541 households. Of 14,463 contacts of known patients, 11,277 were examined and three non-infectious (paucibacillary) cases were found. Under the Focus Leprosy campaign, which targets a population of 5.87 lakh, one new infectious (multibacillary) case has been found among the 1.28 lakh people screened so far.

The most screenings were in Dharashiv (35,823), Umarga (26,682) and Tuljapur (23,445) talukas, and health teams also went door to door in Bhoom, Washi, Lohara, Kalamb and Paranda talukas.

The main symptoms are a pale or reddish patch of skin without sensation, tingling in the hands and feet and thickened earlobes. Leprosy is fully curable with multi-drug therapy, and treatment is free: 12 months for infectious and six months for non-infectious patients. District health officer Dr Satish Haridas urged people not to hide symptoms, to get tested promptly and to cooperate with ASHA workers and health staff visiting their homes.

Source: Esakal