By Prince J Musa in Kenema
The District focal person for leprosy and Tuberculosis in the health management team of Kenema district has disclosed that the district recorded fifteen cases of Leprosy in 2021with a total country caseload of 138 for the previous year. The national figures for 2021 have still not been released.
Speaking to Politico, Momodu Kondeh said of the 15 cases recorded in 2021, 10 of the patients would take their treatment for a period of one year while the other five would be treated within six months.
He said because of lack of funding, they could not commemorate this year’s World Leprosy Day which is done every 30th of January on the global commemoration theme, “United for Dignity.”
Kondeh says leprosy attacks the immune system by causing skin infection that weakens the hands. He described the disease as a bacterial contamination through fluid that cannot be seen by the naked eye.
He said patients that take their treatment regularly can give birth to babies that are not affected by it despite the fact that as a communicable disease it can be transmitted from one person to the other through droplets from sneezing, coughing and generally coming in contact with bodily fluids from an infected person.
The district focal person explained that the signs and symptoms of leprosy infection are detected when white spots appear on the skin thereby affecting the nerves without any pain.
Kondeh told Politico that leprosy can be treated and that the drugs are available at Kenema district Leprosy office and other parts of the country. He encouraged people with the signs and symptoms of leprosy to contact the nearest health facility immediately.
Copyright © 2022 Politico 07/02/22
