PUNE: The state health department found 6,600 confirmed and 3.48 lakh suspected cases of leprosy during its 16-day special campaign ending December 6 last year, with Chandrapur accounting for highest 487 confirmed cases, followed by Palghar (442).
The confirmed leprosy cases detected during the past year’s drive are slightly lower than 6,200 confirmed cases recorded during a similar drive during September 13-30, 2022.
Dr Sunita Golhait, joint director (TB and leprosy), health services, Maharashtra, said, “While routine leprosy surveillance goes on throughout the year, the special campaign helps in detecting hidden and suspected leprosy cases. During the surveillance, paramedical staffers make door-to-door visits to identify patients based on preliminary symptoms. These suspected patients are then confirmed for the infection through clinical diagnosis and laboratory testing.”
Leprosy is a chronic infectious disease caused by mycobacterium leprae bacterium. It affects the skin, the peripheral nerves, mucosal surfaces of the upper respiratory tract and the eyes.
An analysis of the cases detected during the special drives showed that the infections have remained steady in the state. Health officials attributed it to the migration of workers from other states and the endemicity of the disease in seven districts in the state, including Chandrapur, Gadchiroli and Nandurabar.
Dr Vivek V Pai, director at Bombay Leprosy Project, said, “Stigma is a major hindrance in detection of leprosy. Some awareness within the society is crucial.”
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The confirmed leprosy cases detected during the past year’s drive are slightly lower than 6,200 confirmed cases recorded during a similar drive during September 13-30, 2022.
Dr Sunita Golhait, joint director (TB and leprosy), health services, Maharashtra, said, “While routine leprosy surveillance goes on throughout the year, the special campaign helps in detecting hidden and suspected leprosy cases. During the surveillance, paramedical staffers make door-to-door visits to identify patients based on preliminary symptoms. These suspected patients are then confirmed for the infection through clinical diagnosis and laboratory testing.”
Leprosy is a chronic infectious disease caused by mycobacterium leprae bacterium. It affects the skin, the peripheral nerves, mucosal surfaces of the upper respiratory tract and the eyes.
An analysis of the cases detected during the special drives showed that the infections have remained steady in the state. Health officials attributed it to the migration of workers from other states and the endemicity of the disease in seven districts in the state, including Chandrapur, Gadchiroli and Nandurabar.
Dr Vivek V Pai, director at Bombay Leprosy Project, said, “Stigma is a major hindrance in detection of leprosy. Some awareness within the society is crucial.”
We also published the following articles recently
CCTVs surveillance will improve crime detection in Vizag
City Police encourage public to install CCTVs in residential areas to bring thieves into the CCTV loop. The port city has only 13,000 CCTVs for its 28-lakh population spread over 700 sq. km. In 2023, police identified 468 suspects/offences through CCTV footage, registering 363 FIRs and detecting 89 cases. The city has 12,907 CCTV cameras, with 4,677 installed in 2023. Police are urging apartment associations and colonies to install CCTVs for crime detection and resident safety.
City Police encourage public to install CCTVs in residential areas to bring thieves into the CCTV loop. The port city has only 13,000 CCTVs for its 28-lakh population spread over 700 sq. km. In 2023, police identified 468 suspects/offences through CCTV footage, registering 363 FIRs and detecting 89 cases. The city has 12,907 CCTV cameras, with 4,677 installed in 2023. Police are urging apartment associations and colonies to install CCTVs for crime detection and resident safety.
10 new Covid cases today, no instances of JN.1 Variant detected: Delhi health minister
Delhi recorded 10 new Covid cases in the last 24 hours, but no instances of the new variant were detected. The increase in cases in South India follows a pattern of cases increasing in North India. Currently, only six Covid-19-positive patients are admitted to hospitals in Delhi, and most cases are mild. The health minister reassured the public about the rigorous testing and monitoring procedures in place. AAP leader Saurabh Bhardwaj criticized the BJP’s approach of politicizing religion. The consecration ceremony at Ram Temple in Ayodhya will be held over seven days.
Delhi recorded 10 new Covid cases in the last 24 hours, but no instances of the new variant were detected. The increase in cases in South India follows a pattern of cases increasing in North India. Currently, only six Covid-19-positive patients are admitted to hospitals in Delhi, and most cases are mild. The health minister reassured the public about the rigorous testing and monitoring procedures in place. AAP leader Saurabh Bhardwaj criticized the BJP’s approach of politicizing religion. The consecration ceremony at Ram Temple in Ayodhya will be held over seven days.