Leprosy Outbreak In Gombe State

A resurgence of leprosy has been reported in
Gombe state. According to the Programme
Officer, Gombe State Office of the Leprosy
and Tuberculosis Control Programme, new 5
cases were reported within the first quarter
of 2013.
He said the reported cases were in
children.
He said the affected areas are in Dukku,
Yamaltu-Deba and Shongom Local Government
Areas.
According to him, the discovery suggests a reverse
in the graduation reduction in leprosy prevalence
steadily recorded in years before.
"The cases in the state seem to be dropping. In
2011, there were 120 cases, in 2012 it dropped to
less than 100 and now the reverse is the case and is
manifesting among children," he said.
He blamed the infection's re-emergence on poor
interest of stakeholders in the health sector as
responsible for outbreak seen in children.
"Leprosy does not seem to be a public health issue;
governments at all levels should take it seriously
because of its devastating effect. Measures had
been taken to track down the source of the new
infections and stop further transmission. There is
every possibility that somebody within the
communities where the children live has the micro
organism and is transmitting it," he said.
He said early detection is central to good outcomes.
"If the disease is identified early, there will be no
disability, but once it has manifested, it is
irreversible," he said.