CHENNAI: The State Health Department will conduct leprosy case detection campaign in Tamil Nadu from February 13-28 to screen for suspected cases. More than 20,000 representatives will be doing intensive door-to-door screening in the coming days as a part of the campaign.

Leprosy, a communicable disease caused by Mycobacterium Leprae bacteria, spreads via droplets during coughing or sneezing by untreated cases. The incubation period of disease is 5-7 years.

“The disease manifests in an infected person when the person’s immunity declines. Initial manifestation is a hypo-pigmented patch with loss of sensation in the skin. When identified, treatment has been given with multi-drug therapy where leprosy gets cured 100%,” said Dr TS Selvavinayagam, director, DPH.

If not treated, peripheral nerves will be affected leading to deformity in the eye, hand and foot. In such a situation, to identify the case in the early stage including the hidden cases, the DPH has implemented the Leprosy Case Detection Campaign (LCDC) 2025 in Tamil Nadu.

As many as 133 rural blocks and 27 urban areas will be covered this year in 37 districts from February 13-28. During this screening, suspected cases will be identified and treated. Selvavinayagam stated that 18,192 searchers in 133 rural blocks and 4,332 searchers in 27 urban areas will be doing intensive door-to-door screening in the next two weeks.

“The public are advised to support the searchers coming to their doorstep and support them. Also, volunteer for leprosy screening,” added the DPH.

It is noted that post exposure prophylaxis (single dose rifampicin) will be given to the public wherever needed as a preventive measure. All school children will be screened in their schools by the public health team.