Leprosy can be cured if detected early: Health Department
Published on: Thursday, February 02, 2023
By: Suria Abdullah
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World Leprosy Day is celebrated on the last Sunday of January to commemorate those affected by the disease and to raise awareness that leprosy still exists and that society needs to play a role in ensuring the sustainability and well-being of patients. - Bernama pic for illustration only
It said the signs of one possibly contracting this disease is when white or copper coloured spots that are not itchy start to appear on the skin.
There is a possibility that one has gotten the disease if they start to lose their sense of touch, or lost it completely.
The other signs are when one starts to lose their muscle strengths on the arms and legs, without any known reasons.
It said one should immediately seek medical attention of any of these points above checks.
Health Minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa had said the Health Ministry remains committed to tackling leprosy issues with control and prevention activities targeting at-risk groups at the locality and district levels
She said this in a statement in conjunction with the Jan 30 World Leprosy Day themed “Act Now: End Leprosy”.
She said Malaysia recorded a 15.5 per cent increase in new leprosy cases in 2022, with 164 cases compared to 142 in 2021.
Dr Zaliha said the increase was a result of active detection in endemic localities carried out by health personnel at the district level.
