In 2019, Visakhapatnam reported 299 cases of leprosy. A recent study, which examined 68 of these cases, revealed a continued burden of leprosy-related disabilities—despite ongoing detection campaigns. The findings point to significant gaps in awareness, timely treatment, and community engagement.
Grade II Disability Above National Average
Among the newly diagnosed cases, 14% exhibited disabilities. Notably, grade II disabilities were observed in 9% of the patients—higher than the national average of 7.7%. The majority of cases involved multibacillary leprosy, and the presence of childhood cases indicated active community transmission.
Delays in Treatment Lead to Disability
As reported by TOI, the study found a strong link between delayed healthcare-seeking behavior and the development of grade II disabilities. On average, patients waited eight months before seeking medical help. Five of the grade II disability cases were directly associated with this delay. Researchers emphasized that even a three-month delay significantly increases the risk of disability.
Stigma Fuels Concealment and Misdiagnosis
Stigma played a key role in patients delaying treatment. One patient admitted to hiding skin patches to avoid social rejection. Another mistook the symptoms for a simple skin condition, highlighting the lack of disease awareness. These accounts reflect earlier studies, where 78% of leprosy patients feared disclosure and 79% lacked basic knowledge of the disease before diagnosis.
Hand Impairments Common in Grade II Cases
The study also reported that hand deformities were common, with ulnar nerve involvement causing functional impairments. Six patients (9%) exhibited grade II disabilities affecting the hands. One patient shared, “I struggle to grip tools now,” illustrating the impact on daily life. Another believed that leprosy was a curse and first sought help from a faith healer, delaying appropriate care by a year.
Children’s Cases Demand Better Contact Tracing
While no children in the study had disabilities—thanks to early diagnosis of paucibacillary leprosy—the presence of child cases underlines the need for robust contact tracing and timely post-exposure prophylaxis. These measures have been part of the National Leprosy Eradication Programme (NLEP) since 2018.
Call for Strengthening Awareness and Outreach
The study noted that many patients were unaware that treatment for leprosy is free. This highlights urgent gaps in information, education, and communication. To address these challenges, researchers recommend that the NLEP enhance its outreach efforts. Campaign tools like the mascot Sapna, launched in 2017, can help counter myths and reduce fear and misinformation in the community.
Demographic Snapshot
Among the 68 participants, 81% were adults aged 15–60, with a mean age of 36.7 years. Children below 15 years accounted for 10% of the cases, again pointing to ongoing transmission. Males represented 62% of the patients, and 39% belonged to the middle socioeconomic group. Additionally, 4% had a family history of leprosy, suggesting intra-household transmission.
Published in Cureus Journal
The study, authored by Siva Priya Jalakam Venkata, Sivakumar Lotheti, and Devi Madhavi Bhimarasetty from Panimalar Medical College and Government Medical College, Vizianagaram, was published in Cureus, a medical journal under Springer Nature. Their findings stress the urgent need to reduce delays, fight stigma, and strengthen public awareness to meet the WHO’s target of reducing grade II disability among leprosy patients.