Incidence of leprosy in Santiago de Cuba province
Abstract
Introduction: In 1992, the World Health Organization (WHO) proposed to eliminate the leprosy as a public health problem, establishing a prevalence rate below 1 per 100,000 inhabitants. Santiago de Cuba, Granma and Camagüey, are the provinces with the highest incidence. Disease surveillance is of paramount importance, with active case detection and early treatment being essential pillars in the post-elimination period.Objective: To describe some clinical-epidemiological characteristics of leprosy in the province from Santiago de Cuba.Method: An observational, descriptive, and cross-sectional study was carried out since January, 2001 to December, 2022. The population was conformed by 707 patients diagnosed with leprosy. The data source was the leprosy case database. The variables studied were: sex, age, incidence by year and municipality, clinical forms, and method of detection. Summary measures rates and percentages were used.Results: Multibacillary forms predominated. Santiago de Cuba, Songo - La Maya, Palma Soriano, and Contramaestre reported the highest incidences. The most frequent lesions were spots, nodules, and macules. 21.2% of cases were diagnosed latly, and 21.5% experienced some degree of disability. Eleven cases of childhood leprosy were diagnosed. Males were more affected.Conclusions: Despite the fact that leprosy is considered eliminated in the territory, it is necessary to increase surveillance actions and work with a greater risk-based approach in territories with high incidence rates.
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