NEWS: Dakshin Kannada has records 47 leprosy cases until December 2025

HIGHLIGHTS

• The Health Department in Dakshina Kannada commenced Sparsh Leprosy Awareness Campaign, a nationwide initiative to promote early detection and treatment
• It also aims to educate communities about leprosy, in the district
• Early detection and treatment to ensure patients do not reach the complications before detection along with creating awareness

TREATMENT

• Treated with free Leprosy Multidrug Therapy (MDT).
• The government provides Disability Prevention and Medical Rehabilitation (DPMR) services, splints, self-care kits, multicellular rubber footwear, and reconstructive surgery to patients.
• opd or esanjeevani.in for free teleconsultation

AWARENESS

• A door-to-door campaign will be conducted and the officials will visit educational institutions to create awareness
• Awareness programmes are planned in rural areas through gram panchayats to ensure that patients are not discriminated against

Leprosy

• Chronic infectious disease caused by a type of bacteria called “Mycobacterium leprae”.
• Affects the skin, the peripheral nerves, mucosal surfaces of the upper respiratory tract and the eyes.
• Transmitted via droplets, from the nose and mouth, during close and frequent contact with untreated cases