Leprosy Outbreak Hits Northern Nigeria

A resurgence of leprosy has been reported in Gombe state. According to the Programme Officer, Gombe State Office of the Leprosy and Tuberculosis Control Programme, new 5 cases were reported within the first quarter of 2013. He said the reported cases were in children.

He said the affected areas are in  Dukku, Yamaltu-Deba and Shongom Local Government Areas.

According to him, the discovery suggests a reverse in the graduation reduction in leprosy prevalence steadily recorded in years before.

“The cases in the state seem to be dropping. In 2011, there were 120 cases, in 2012 it dropped to less than 100 and now the reverse is the case and is manifesting among children,” he said.

He blamed the infection's re-emergence on poor interest of stakeholders in the health sector as responsible for outbreak seen in children.

“Leprosy does not seem to be a public health issue; governments at all levels should take it seriously because of its devastating effect. Measures had been taken to track down the source of the new infections and stop further transmission. There is every possibility that somebody within the communities where the children live has the micro organism and is transmitting it,” he said.

He said early detection is central to good outcomes.

"“If the disease is identified early, there will be no disability, but once it has manifested, it is irreversible,” he said.