30 new leprosy cases detected in Dakshina Kannada

30 new leprosy cases detected in Dakshina Kannada

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, January 29, 2025: 30 new leprosy cases were detected in Dakshina Kannada between April and December, 2024. The Department of Health and Family Welfare will launch the Sparsh Leprosy Awareness Campaign in the district from January 30 to February 13, 2025, to prevent its spread, C.M. Sudarshan, District Leprosy Officer, said in Mangaluru on Tuesday.

Addressing presspersons, he said that the new cases detected are in preliminary stages with the victims exhibiting skin patches but not any physical deformity.

Dr. Sudarshan said that 16 of 30 persons – in the age group of 30 to 50 years – are from outside Dakshina Kannada, including from other districts of Karnataka and outside the State. No Grade II cases, or those with physical deformity were found during the nine months of the current financial year, he said.

Presently, 72 persons are under treatment for leprosy in the district. The first stage of treatment covers six months and the second stage involves a year, Dr. Sudarshan said. He said that skin check up camps will be set up at 10 places in the district during the campaign. New cases were found in the surroundings of those places.

The camps will be conducted at Government Pre-University College, Vitla; Olavina Halli Ashrama, Kotekar; Vidyajyothi School, Kunjathbail; Govt. Wenlock Hospital, Mangaluru; Narayana Sanil School, Haleyangady; District Prison, Mangaluru; Cambridge School, Padil; Father Muller Hospital, Kankanady; Bharati Seva Ashrama, Kanyana and Centre for Destitutes, Vamanjoor.

No new cases were found in Sullia, Puttur and Belthangady taluks, he added.

Leprosy is caused by the bacteria Mycobacterium leprae.

Dr. Sudarshan said that the government offers free treatment to leprosy patients. It provides multi-drug therapy and aids and appliances. A self-care kit and micro-cellular rubber footwear is also provided to patients. Re-constructive surgery is also done.

Those who have developed white patches on their skin where they do not feel any sensation should consult doctors to check if it is a case of leprosy. Symptoms of the disease could take six months to 40 years to exhibit, he said.