Authors: Bruno Vitiritti, Filipe Rocha Lima, Nara Tescke de Castilho, Lincon Bordignon Somensi, Rosana Cláudio Silva Ogoshi
This study examined leprosy in a low-endemic area in southern Brazil before and after implementing an active case-finding strategy. The study compared passive detection from 2014-2020 with an active search strategy from January 2021 to August 2023 in Caçador, Santa Catarina, where community health workers used the Leprosy Suspicion Questionnaire (LSQ) screening tool. Of the 48 cases reported, 83.3% were multibacillary. The detection rate increased from 0.38 to 1.19 cases per 10,000 inhabitants after implementing the active search, with more cases identified with lower degrees of physical disability. The active search strategy led to a 300% increase in diagnosed cases, highlighting its effectiveness in early detection and control of leprosy, suggesting that the Ministry of Health should intensify such efforts in low-endemic areas.
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Resource Topic: Leprosy
Resource Type: Evaluation
Year: 2024
Region: South America
Country: Brazil
Publisher May Restrict Access: No