Dr Paul T Francis, MD Community Medicine College of Medicine, Zawia Leprosy Dr Paul T Francis, MD Community Medicine College of Medicine, Zawia

Leprosy Is a chronic disease caused by M leprae Leprosy is still prevalent in many parts of the world, especially in the poor developing countries Leprosy is a very rare disease in Libya

Tuberculosis and Leprosy cases, Libya 1972-2005 TB Leprosy

Epidemiological factors Agent – M leprae Reservoir of infection – man Portal of exit – nose, upper respiratory tract and skin Host factors Can occur in any age

Epidemiological factors Environmental factors – seen more in hot humid climate Social factors – more common in poor socio-economic class Mode of transmission Direct and indirect contact Droplet infection (of respiratory secretions) Incubation period – few months to few years

Leprosy patient who has lost most of the fingers holding flowers

A leprosy patient

Leprosy lesions on the back

Prevention and control Primary prevention Improvement in socio-economic status Avoiding close contact with leprosy patients Secondary prevention Early diagnosis and treatment

Leprosy control strategy in Libya Early detection of cases Contact tracing – examine all persons who have come in contact with a leprosy patient Survey of certain high risk groups Mass survey Notification The detected cases are notified/informed to the Ministry of Health

Leprosy control strategy in Libya Chemotherapy – MultiDrug therapy (MDT) Follow-up – It is important to make sure that the patient takes the drug for the entire period of treatment. The patient is examined once every 3 months Other measures Improving living conditions Health education Rehabilitation of patients who have severe damage to limbs, nerves etc.