Leprosy in Moratuwa increasing

12 August 2025 09:40 pm Views - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}} 4 Bookmark

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By Reka Tharangani Fonseka

Colombo, August 12 (Daily Mirror) - Several leprous patients have been reported from Egodauyana area in Moratuwa for the last six months much to the concern of the health authorities.

Administrative PHI of Egodauyana MOH office Daya Bandara Maussawa said yesterday that 23 Leprosy positive patients, including six children, have been identified. He said another 31 suspected leprous persons have been referred to the Dermatology Clinic and several of them could be leprosy positive.

The Admin. PHI said he submitted a report regarding the increasing rate of leprous patients in the area to the Moratuwa Divisional Coordinating Committee.

He said 45 patients, including nine children had been identified last year.

“Leprosy is curable through treatment just as many other contagious diseases and the patients should not entertain any fears about the disease. The symptoms of the disease could emerge even about 15 years after contracting the virus. However, most of the patients attempt to keep it a secret and it worsens the condition. This has resulted in difficulty to identify the patients,” the PHI said.

He further said the secrecy of patients would be protected at the clinics.

Comments - 4

Sri Lal Cooray Tuesday, 12 August 2025 11:20 PM

Medical officials used visit schools to check children for leprosy, when we were little. Is the practice still continuing? Also, throughly educate people about this disease through leaflets.

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Cassie Wednesday, 13 August 2025 02:53 AM

This is an ancient disease which was eradicated. Unless the health department conducts an aggressive awareness campaign across all media and social media on prevention and good hygiene it will be out of control.

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Clean Sri Lanka Wednesday, 13 August 2025 10:31 AM

Most people don't have any idea about Leprosy. 1. Conduct awareness campaigns. 2. People need to understand that this is curable. 3. Free testing should be offered to people in infected areas. 4. General hygiene levels are pretty low in Sri Lanka.

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Immediate action required Wednesday, 13 August 2025 10:45 AM

Need an awareness campaign immediately to eradicate the disease. Most people are unaware of such conditions even though they are having it. A thorough screening of the community in the area is immediately required. Over to you MOH Moratuwa.

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