The WHO (World Health Organization) wants leprosy to be no longer a public health problem by 2030. According to the organization, Brazil is the second country with the highest infection rate in the world, behind only India.

One of the symptoms of leprosy is the appearance of spots on the body – Photo: Reproduction / ND

Preliminary figures from the Ministry of Health show that more than 17,000 cases of leprosy were diagnosed in Brazil in 2022. According to the Brazilian Leprosy Monitoring Group, 220 cases of leprosy were reported in Santa Catarina in 2022.

WHO needs to reduce the incidence to less than one case per 10,000 inhabitants in seven years to reach the target. According to the organization, this includes the absence of infections, diseases, disabilities, stigmatization and discrimination against those infected.

The organization’s strategy consists of four pillars: early diagnosis and timely treatment; disability prevention; combating stigma and discrimination; and strengthening the health system.

Early diagnosis is essential to prevent complications, so when the first signs and symptoms appear, you should consult a doctor. In Brazil, it is possible to test for leprosy through SUS.

leprosy symptoms

• Spots (white, reddish, brownish or brownish) and / or areas of skin with changes in thermal sensitivity (to heat and cold) and / or painful (to pain) and / or tactile (to touch);
• Involvement of the peripheral nerve(s) – usually thickening (thickening) – associated with sensory and/or motor and/or autonomic disturbances;
• Areas with reduced hair and sweat;
• tingling and/or burning sensation, especially in the arms and legs;
• Decreased or absent sensation and/or muscle strength of the face and/or arms and/or legs;
• Bumps (nodules) on the body, in some cases reddened and painful.