Epidemiological trends of leprosy and case detection delay in East Hararghe Zone, Ethiopia: A baseline survey

• DOI: 10.47276/lr.93.3.184
• Publication Date: 2022-09-05T03:01:57Z
• Authors: Ephrem Mamo; Kidist Bobosha; Mengistu Legesse; Fufa Daba; Kitesa Debelo; Taye Leta; Thomas Hambridge; Anne Schoenmakers; Robin van Wijk; Christa Kasang; Liesbeth Mieras; Jan Hendrik Richa...
• Keywords: Contact tracing; Case finding

Objectives Leprosy is a chronic infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae and one of the world's most neglected tropical diseases. The post-exposure prophylaxis for leprosy study (PEP4LEP) compares two integrated skin-screening approaches combined with single dose rifampicin administration to contacts patients. aim this baseline survey was describe epidemiological trends estimate case detection delay in Ethiopian districts before start intervention. Methods conducted three East Hararghe zone, Oromia Region, Ethiopia. We applied descriptive retrospective design between 2010 2019. Fifty patients diagnosed six months prior their inclusion were interviewed establish at baseline. healthcare delivery system National Control Program are also described. Results Trends number new detected decreased slightly over past ten years, although child cases increased overall, suggesting ongoing transmission. mean 22.4 (95% CI: 18.6–26.3), while median 19.5 months. patient health 19.6 15.8–23.4) 2.6 1.5–3.6), respectively. Conclusion Considerable delays found PEP4LEP Efforts reduce interrupt transmission should focus on integrating prevention active finding, contact tracing providing