Tamil Nadu has taken a proactive approach to tackle leprosy with a statewide detection drive scheduled from February 13 to 28. This initiative will cover 133 rural blocks and 27 urban regions across 37 districts, reinforcing the state’s commitment to leprosy elimination. The campaign aims to identify both existing and hidden cases early to facilitate timely treatment and prevent the disease's further spread.
Extensive Screening Teams Deployed
Dr TS Selvavinayagam, Director of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, highlighted that the Leprosy Case Detection Campaign 2025 will be an intensive door-to-door screening effort. A massive workforce of 18,192 searchers in rural blocks and 4,332 searchers in urban areas will conduct household screenings. Their primary objective is to detect suspected cases, ensure appropriate diagnosis, and provide immediate medical intervention.
Recognising Leprosy Symptoms
Residents have been encouraged to report symptoms associated with leprosy, which include:
- Hypo-pigmented skin patches with loss of sensation
- Thickening of ear lobes and formation of nodules
- Inability to close eyes properly
- Weakness in hands and feet
- Clawing of fingers and toes
- Muscle wasting in the hands and feet
- Persistent numbness in extremities
- Non-healing ulcers on hands and feet
Individuals exhibiting any of these symptoms are advised to cooperate with health searchers for further medical evaluation and necessary treatment at their nearest Primary Health Centre (PHC).
Understanding Leprosy: Causes and Prevention
Leprosy, a communicable bacterial infection, is caused by Mycobacterium leprae. It primarily spreads through respiratory droplets released when an untreated individual coughs or sneezes. The disease has a prolonged incubation period, ranging from five to seven years, and often manifests when an individual’s immune system weakens.
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Early detection is crucial, as leprosy initially appears as skin patches with decreased sensation. If diagnosed and treated with multi-drug therapy (MDT) at this stage, complete recovery is possible. However, untreated cases can lead to severe complications, including nerve damage and deformities affecting the eyes, hands, and feet.
Government Urges Public Participation
Dr Selvavinayagam has urged residents to take full advantage of this campaign. He has called for public cooperation by encouraging voluntary screening and prompt reporting of symptoms. As an additional preventive measure, post-exposure prophylaxis using a single dose of Rifampicin will be administered to at-risk individuals.
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Moreover, dedicated public health teams will conduct screenings for school children in educational institutions to identify potential cases early.
Bottomline
Tamil Nadu has made significant progress in its battle against leprosy, but health officials emphasize that continued vigilance is necessary. The current campaign is part of a larger strategy aimed at eliminating leprosy by ensuring early detection, timely treatment, and comprehensive public awareness.
As the state intensifies efforts, the success of this initiative will rely heavily on active community participation. By recognizing symptoms early and seeking timely medical attention, individuals can play a crucial role in eradicating leprosy from Tamil Nadu.
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