Kingstown, St vincent & The Grenadines – January 16, 2024
St Vincent and the Grenadines is intensifying its surveillance efforts for leprosy following recent detections of the disease in neighboring islands. The Health Ministry is closely monitoring the situation in St Lucia and Barbados, where leprosy cases have been identified for the first time in several years.
Saint Lucia reported 11 new cases of leprosy, indicating a substantial increase of 120% from 2020 to 2023. The Ministry earlier today emphasized that the country has not identified any new cases of leprosy since 2019 in a statement to local media personel.
While leprosy was historically feared as a highly contagious and debilitating disease, the Ministry reassured the public that it does not spread easily, and effective treatment is available. However, if left untreated, leprosy can lead to nerve damage, resulting in deformities of hands and feet, paralysis, and blindness.
According to the communication from the Ministry as of January 15, 2024, St Vincent and the Grenadines did not have any reported cases of leprosy for the period 2022-2024.
Leprosy, also known as Hansen’s disease, is caused by the Mycobacterium leprae. The disease spreads when an infected person coughs or sneezes, and another person repeatedly inhales the droplets containing the bacteria over an extended period. Leprosy can affect the nerves, skin, eyes, and the lining of the nose (nasal mucosa).
The Health Ministry emphasized in its communication that with early diagnosis and treatment, leprosy can be cured. The communication also made it clear that Individuals with leprosy can continue to work and lead an active life during and after treatment.
Vincentians were urged to take standard precautionary measures against respiratory infections, including covering mouths and nostrils when coughing and practicing frequent handwashing.
Source: Nate Media Aerial Team on St Vincent & The Grenadines.
