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Sunday, January 29, 2017
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ILOILO City – In 2016, the Department of Health (DOH) monitored 429 cases of leprosy in Western Visayas – higher than 2015’s 419 recorded cases.
The upsurge was due to increased public awareness, according to Dr. Marie Jocelyn J. Te, regional leprosy medical coordinator of DOH Region 6.
Those who suspected they had contracted the disease sought immediate treatment provided free by the DOH, said.
Cases recorded mostly came from Iloilo and Negros Occidental, according to Ame Liz Mardoquio, regional leprosy program coordinator.
DOH would like to further boost public awareness about the infection and on the availability of free medicines, aligned with the theme of this year’s World Leprosy Day celebration, “Achieve Zero Transmission and Disabilities” on Jan. 30.
“It takes more than five to 10 years for signs and symptoms to manifest. Hence, it is better that they seek early consultation while it is still at its mild stage,” said Te.
Leprosy can be transmitted by sneezing, cough and prolonged contacts with persons already having the disease.
The prominent symptoms are reddish or whitish patches with loss or decrease in sensation. The patches are not itchy or painful.
Other possible symptoms are lumps (nodules) in face, ears or body.
“It will not bother but when left untreated will affect nerves and cold areas of the body,” Te said.
DOH also encouraged local government units to undertake case findings and report possible cases of leprosy. Free medicines are available right at their health centers, thus, patients need not go to the Western Visayas Sanitarium in Santa Barbara, Iloilo to be treated.
Te said the disease has a 98 percent chance of being cured if the recommended treatment is followed. The longest treatment would last up to 18 months. (PNA)
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