- Door-to-door observation till 31st of this month

- Distribution of medicines after identification

Bezzur, December 20 (Andhra Jyoti): Leprosy is not fatal but is an epidemic that can cause permanent disability if neglected. The medical department is predicting that the severity of this disease, which was very low in the past, is increasing in recent times. Alarmed by this, the National Health Mission decided to find out the details of leprosy patients or those with symptoms. As part of this, it has been decided to conduct a house-to-house leprosy survey for 14 days. From December 18 to 31, a plan was made to conduct a Leprosy Case Detection Campaign (LCDC) survey by medical teams across the district. After the survey, arrangements were made to give medicines to those with symptoms and to test them frequently. In the recent past, the increase in leprosy cases in Kumaram Bhim district in the state is a matter of concern. The number of skin disease victims is increasing every year. Leprosy, which infects the skin and nerves, spreads like water under the carpet and scares me. It has been found that there are 95 victims in the district from April till now. Last year there were 87, earlier 137 people were identified and treated.

- Through bacteria..

Leprosy is spread by bacteria called Microbacterium leprae and Microbacterium lepramatosis. It is usually an infectious disease. Especially through the breath of an infected person, the bacteria gets into the air and enters the body of others. The bacteria can survive for up to seven days after entering the body. A person with a strong immune system has less chance of bacteria surviving in their body. But this bacteria affects those who have low immunity. It takes five to 10 years depending on the immunity of the person. White and copper-colored spots on the body, loss of touch in that area, numbness of legs and fingers are symptoms of leprosy.

- Easy to prevent..

It is very easy to prevent leprosy if it is detected in time and medicines are used. There is still a kind of contempt for leprosy patients in the society. Incidents include keeping a leprosy patient away, not wanting to touch them, etc. Because of the misconception about leprosy, family members are also keeping them away. On the other hand, even though they know that they have symptoms of leprosy, they do not say it out of fear of what outsiders will think. Due to this, the severity of the disease is increasing. If the intensity increases, it can affect the nervous system. As a result the 6 most important nerves in the body (peripheral) start getting damaged. Due to this, the legs and fingers do not bend, shrink, and the arms and legs lose strength and become limp. It can lead to permanent disability. Doctors say that leprosy can be completely cured within 6 months to a year and a half if medicines are used. 95 people have already been infected with leprosy in the district. All of them are being treated.

- In order to prevent..

The National Leprosy Eradication Program was brought in 1983 by the then central government with the intention of eradicating leprosy from the earth along with creating awareness of leprosy in every community across the country. As part of this, leprosy department has been made available in every primary health center across the country. The aim of NLEP is to annually identify those with symptoms, administer medication and monitor them until the disease subsides. This survey is being done by Asha workers in one district hospital, five social hospitals and 22 primary health centers across the district. But this time Asha was to be surveyed, but during the previous survey, Asha was not given survey wages and they all refused the survey. As a result, the leprosy survey is being conducted by the medical staff as per the orders of the superiors. The details of those with symptoms are sent by ANMs to the PHC Medical Officer and from there to the District Medical Office. After the 14-day survey, those with symptoms will be brought to the PHCs for a complete examination and diagnosis of the disease. If the disease is diagnosed, medicines are given and sent. Like this every month they are monitored by ASHA workers.

- Awareness meetings..

Usually people with symptoms of leprosy do not speak out. Parve refuses saying that there is no such person in their house. In this background, the medical department has decided not to spare anyone in the district. For this we are taking the cooperation of local public representatives. It is expected to organize meetings with Sarpanchs, other public representatives, Purapramukhulu, employees and youth groups to create awareness about leprosy. The survey on leprosy was started from December 18. Apart from this, awareness programs are also conducted annually in the villages to eradicate the disease under the auspices of the Medical and Health Department.

It is easy to reduce if detected in time.

- Shyamlal, District Leprosy Eradication Coordinator

Leprosy can be easily detected if drugs are used. Myths about this disease should be treated. We are conducting a leprosy survey with the aim of finding out how many people have the symptoms of the disease and providing treatment to them. Everyone should contribute to this. Those with symptoms should cooperate with the medical personnel who come to the home. After the survey, we will give medicines to those with symptoms and monitor them until the disease subsides.