Madrid, Jan 24 (EFE).- Leprosy detection increased by 23% in 2022 compared to the previous year, reaching 174,087 cases, which represents an average of 476 cases per day, according to data collected by the WHO. in 182 countries about this disease, whose World Day is commemorated on January 28.
However, in Spain the trend is decreasing, since 6 new cases were detected in 2023, compared to 10 in 2022, according to the State Leprosy Registry of the Carlos III Health Institute-National Center for Epidemiology.
This record details that in 2023 the diagnoses occurred in Andalusia (1), the Canary Islands (2), Madrid (2) and Catalonia (2).
The previous year, 10 new cases were registered: 1 in Andalusia, 2 in Asturias, 2 in the Balearic Islands, 1 in Cantabria, 1 in the Valencian Community, 1 in Galicia, 1 in Murcia and 1 in La Rioja.
In a statement, the Fontilles Foundation – which has been working with leprosy sufferers in Spain for more than a century – has warned about the danger of “late detection” that is evident in this latest report, since the prolongation of the disease without treatment favors the appearance of visible and irreversible disabilities.
Despite the increase in case detection, levels remain below pre-pandemic data.
Cases among the child population
In 2022, leprosy cases among children under 14 years of age also increased to 10,302, 12.8% more than the previous year, reaching 6% of total cases (5.1 cases per million child population), with special impact on impoverished communities.
To increase prevention and awareness of the disease, Fontilles (which has treated more than 3,000 patients in its Alicante sanatorium) has launched the ‘Zero Leprosy Challenge’ campaign, in addition to 21 projects in India, Mozambique, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Malawi, Brazil and Bolivia.
Leprosy is a chronic disease caused by the bacillus Mycobacterium leprae that affects the skin and nerves. Although it has a cure, the lack of awareness among the population makes its diagnosis and treatment difficult.
Although the incubation period lasts between three and five years, symptoms can take up to twenty years to appear in the form of pale patches of skin or numbness in the fingers and toes. If not treated in early stages, it can cause progressive and permanent injuries, generating paralysis and irreversible disabilities.
Transmission is carried out only through tiny droplets expelled from the nose and mouth. Contrary to popular belief, leprosy is rarely contagious, which only occurs when living with the affected person in conditions of overcrowding, poor nutrition and lack of hygiene, which links its transmission to situations of poverty. EFE
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