Leprosy cases reported in Sri Lanka: 12% are children

By Poojathmi Rivithma

Colombo, January 30 (Daily Mirror)- A total of 1,800 leprosy cases were reported in Sri Lanka within a year, with 12% of the patients being children under the age of 15.

Health authorities stated that leprosy is caused by bacteria, and about 6% of patients still have visible injuries.

Experts warn the importance of early identification and public awareness to prevent the disease from spreading.

Meanwhile, though leprosy has a specific cure, many patients face social discrimination due to myths and misunderstandings about the disease. 

Consultant Community Physician of the Anti-Leprosy Campaign, Dr. Dilini Wijesekara, stated that according to the World Health Organization, a person can contract leprosy if they stay close to an infected person for over 20 hours a week for about three months.

In Sri Lanka, leprosy patients diagnosed at skin disease clinics receive multiple forms of treatment.

However, Wijesekara  mentioned that around 10% to 12% of patients are children under 15.

Most leprosy cases in Sri Lanka are reported among men aged 25 to 45, with a significant number of cases found in the Western and Eastern Provinces.

Health experts explain that there are two types of leprosy: a communicable type that can spread to others and a non-communicable type that does not spread.

Authorities urge the public to seek medical advice if symptoms appear and to support patients instead of isolating them. Early treatment can prevent severe complications and reduce transmission.