Maharashtra Declares Leprosy a Notifiable Disease to Track Spread

The state government of Maharashtra has issued a directive declaring leprosy a notifiable disease, requiring healthcare professionals to report any new cases to the local health department within two weeks. This move follows a central government directive issued around six months ago, and aims to track the spread of the disease in the state, which has the highest incidence of leprosy in the country. Maharashtra reported 7,863 new leprosy cases till September, with 13,010 patients under treatment. Experts are concerned about the emergence of "pockets of endemicity" where the disease consistently occurs, and the rise of drug-resistant leprosy cases in areas such as Mumbai.

Key Takeaways:

• Maharashtra has declared leprosy a notifiable disease, requiring healthcare professionals to report new cases within two weeks.
• The state reported 7,863 new leprosy cases till September, with 13,010 patients under treatment.
• Maharashtra has the highest incidence of leprosy in the country, with worrisome areas such as Mumbai, where drug-resistant leprosy cases are reported.
• The disease remains a public health concern, with India reporting over 1.1 lakh fresh cases every year.
• Mumbai alone reports around 2,000 to 2,500 leprosy cases annually.
• The state aims to achieve a "leprosy-free" status by 2027, reducing disease transmission, eliminating deformities among children, and eradicating social discrimination against persons affected by leprosy.
• Leprosy, if not treated promptly, can lead to deformities or grade-2 disabilities.

Statistics:

• Maharashtra reported 7,863 new leprosy cases till September.
• 13,010 patients are currently under treatment for leprosy in Maharashtra.
• India reports over 1.1 lakh fresh leprosy cases every year.
• Mumbai reports around 2,000 to 2,500 leprosy cases annually.
• The state aims to reduce disease transmission to zero by 2027.

Sources:

• Times of India
• Bombay Leprosy Project (via Dr Vivek Pai)