Lilongwe District Reports Increase in Leprosy Cases, Urges Adherence to Treatment
Lilongwe records 13 new leprosy cases, resurgence feared, writes Chifundo Kudzula Gondwe.
Lilongwe, Malawi- The Lilongwe District Health Office has announced the detection of thirteen new cases of leprosy between January and May this year, marking a resurgence of the disease in Malawi, writes Chifundo Kudzula Gondwe.
Dermatologist Dingase Ngongonda attributes the rise in cases to increased awareness among the public and healthcare workers.
While the increased detection is seen as a positive development, Ngongonda expressed concern over the growing number of defaulters who stop taking leprosy drugs before completing their treatment.
This trend poses a risk of disability and further transmission of the disease.
Leprosy, a chronic airborne infection, had not been recorded in Malawi for thirty years until its reappearance last year. Presently, Lilongwe District alone has a total of sixty-three leprosy patients, including five children.
To control the spread of leprosy, the Lilongwe District Health Office is working to expand its personnel and enhance contact tracing efforts.
Ngongonda emphasises the importance of adherence to treatment, as an untreated individual becomes a focal point for the transmission of the disease.
Leprosy, if left untreated, can lead to various forms of disability. Therefore, it is crucial for individuals diagnosed with leprosy to complete their prescribed medication and follow medical advice closely.
Additionally, raising awareness about the disease and promoting early detection is essential to curbing its spread.