Leprosy cases on the rise around the island

COLOMBO (News 1st); There has been an increase in the number of Leprosy cases according to Health departments.

The highest number of cases have been reported from Moratuwa and that number stands at 51.

Among them there are 8 children aged 14 and below, says the Medical Officer of Health for the Moratuwa area, Dr. Manjula Thilakaratne.

According to the National Anti-Leprosy Campaign, about 16% of the leprosy cases have been identified in children.

Dr. Majula Thilakarathne added that during the Covid-19 lockdown, the risk of Leprosy spreading among family members increased due to continued isolation.  

She added that one of the main features of Leprosy is that it takes around two to three years for the symptoms of the disease to show, indicating a rise in Leprosy cases that can likely be traced back to the Covid lockdown period.