Conjugal leprosy: is there a need for active surveillance in endemic areas?

Leprosy case detection campaign (LCDC) for active surveillance

“…We read with great interest a case report published in your journal entitled 'Conjugal leprosy: is there a need for active surveillance in endemic areas?' 1 Here, we try to add some additional points pertaining to this case and information regarding the active surveillance that is being carried out in the endemic and non-endemic areas by the Government of India Central Leprosy Division.…”

Newly diagnosed leprosy cases

“…The case report on ‘conjugal leprosy’ 1 in a recent issue of Tropical Doctor raised some interesting issues. As many readers working in low prevalence areas may be unfamiliar with leprosy, I am taking the liberty of pointing out some aspects of the case not covered in detail by the author.…”

“…I agree with the authors that there is a need to undertake surveillance for leprosy in endemic areas as the disease has not been eliminated (only the public health problem has been ‘eliminated’). Apart from ‘active screening of all family members and close contacts’ 1 of new cases of leprosy, what is important for early case detection is for all medical practitioners to be alert for suggestive signs of leprosy and conduct passive surveillance during their routine clinics. Physical examination and a slit skin smear are enough to confirm/exclude leprosy in a majority of patients with suggestive signs.…”