15 new Leprosy cases registered during 2017 in Larkana

LARKANA: To evaluate the prevalence of Leprosy in Larkana region, an analysis of 102 cases from 2001 to 2017 at Leprosy Center, Larkana, was conducted out of which 49 (48.03%) were males and 53 (51.96%) females. This Center has registered as many as 796 patients out of which 20 are on chemotherapy, 54 were discharged and 15 new cases were registered in 2017.

They were born in rural areas of Larkana region with the peak age of disease at their fourth decade. The most common form of the disease was borderline tuberculosis (BT) and found specially in female patients. Ulnar nerve was the most frequently affected peripheral nerve, the study added. Although Leprosy is a rare disease but in Larkana region, it is still encountered.

It is important for the practitioners to be aware of its diagnosis when they meet with patient of Leprosy with peripheral nerve involvement, the analysis added, which was conducted by Dr. Farooq Rahman Soomro, Incharge, Dr. Ruth Pfau Leprosy Center, Larkana. Dr. Soomro told media here on Sunday that these cases belong to Kambar-Shahdadkot district, Shikarpur, Jacobabad and other areas. He said all required facilities are available for the affected patients at the center.