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Paraná registered 534 new cases of leprosy in 2018. About 13% of them were detected while the disease had already caused severe physical disabilities.
Leprosy affects nerves and skin and heals. Treatment is provided free of charge by SUS. The treatment is done with daily medications and can last up to one year, depending on the severity of the disease.
According to the nurse, Jaqueline Finau, coordinator of the leprosy program of the Ministry of Health, because they know very little about leprosy, people end up late to see a doctor. And it is only the early diagnosis that makes the difference.
Although leprosy is contagious, a sick person stops infecting others after the first dose of the drug. "It is very important that the treatment is done properly until the end in order to prevent the return of the disease," says Finau.
Symptoms of Leprosy
Leprosy affects nerves and skin. The most affected areas are the arms, legs, hands, feet and face. In the absence of treatment, the nerves, muscles and sensations are altered, resulting in physical problems that may be permanent and preventing the person from performing the basic activities of the day.
The most common symptoms are light, red or brown spots with loss or discomfort, painful lumps, areas that do not sweat and do not lose hair.
There may be tingling sensation, pinching wrists, elbows and ankles, dry eyes and nostrils up to the point of injury. Transmission occurs by air by speech, sneezing or coughing, but for this to happen, close and prolonged contact with untreated persons is necessary.
Leprosy is silent and can take years to manifest. That's why it's so important to always be aware of symptoms that can easily go unnoticed or be confused with transient problems.
"The best way to prevent is to be informed and aware of yourself," says the coordinator. "Whatever the symptom or sign of the disease, you have to look for the nearest health system."
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