Apr 02, Kathmandu - Leprosy has been detected among children in Parsa District, raising alarm among public health officials. The Leprosy Mission Nepal shared this alarming information during a meeting held at the District Health Office in Parsa on Thursday.

According to the Mission, a total of 44 leprosy cases have been identified in Parsa as of the end of Falgun month of the current fiscal year 082/83. Among these, 31 are men and 9 women. The affected individuals include 40 with Multibacillary (MB) leprosy and 4 with Paucibacillary (PB) leprosy, comprising 2 men and 2 women.

The disease has also affected children under 14 in Birgunj Metropolitan City, with 17 cases reported. This development has raised concerns, especially since children are usually considered less vulnerable, and indicates a potential community spread. Program Coordinator Amjad Ali Mikerani expressed that the presence of leprosy in children signifies a serious challenge.

“Leprosy has been detected in children in Birgunj Metropolitan City this year, and it was also observed last year. Symptoms can take 3 to 7 years to appear after infection. If children are affected, it indicates active transmission within the community,” he warned. “If timely and proper treatment isn’t provided, the disease can become severe, disfigure the body, and cause disabilities—not fatalities.”

Early diagnosis and treatment in the right manner, place, and time can cure leprosy easily. Mikerani emphasized the need for local governments to allocate budgets and conduct active case-finding to control the disease.

Cases have been identified in various areas, including Chipharmai, Pakahamainpur, Vindavasini Rural Municipality, and in wards 5/5 of Pokhariya Municipality, Jaganathpur Rural Municipality, and wards 2/2 of Jirabhawani Rural Municipality and Bahudarmai Municipality. Cases have also been reported in Parsa Gadhi and Paterwa Sugouli. No cases have been reported in Thori Rural Municipality this year or last year, and no cases have been found in Dhobini, Kalikamai, and Sakhwa Prasouni Rural Municipalities.

Leprosy Mission Nepal continues its efforts to achieve Sustainable Development Goals by striving for zero transmission, zero disabilities, and zero discrimination through various programs.

In the previous fiscal year 081/82, 109 leprosy cases were identified, including 86 MB and 23 PB cases.