Eight New Leprosy Cases Recorded In Kelantan Last Year

KOTA BHARU, June 11 (Bernama) – Leprosy still exists in Kelantan with eight new cases recorded last year, despite many believing that the disease had been eradicated and was no longer a public health problem.

Kelantan health director Datuk Dr Mohd Azman Yacob said the number involved an incidence rate of 0.37 cases per 100,000 population, while at the national level, 381 new cases were reported in 2025 with an incidence rate of 11.5 cases per 100,000 population.

He said a total of 516 leprosy patients were still receiving treatment in Malaysia last year with a prevalence rate of 0.15 per 10,000 population, while the prevalence rate in Kelantan was 0.06 per 10,000 population, lower than the World Health Organization (WHO) target of less than one case per 10,000 population.

"Leprosy or Hansen's Disease is an infectious disease caused by the bacteria mycobacterium leprae and can be spread through airborne droplets from patients who have not received treatment when coughing, sneezing or talking. However, this disease can be completely cured if patients receive treatment consistently," he said in a statement in conjunction with the Kelantan State Level World Leprosy Day 2026 and the Tumpat District Level Health Literacy Meet today.

He said among the common symptoms of the disease are reddish or white patches or rashes on the skin that do not itch and are accompanied by loss of sensation in the affected area, in addition to causing nerve damage, muscle weakness and facial nerve paralysis if left untreated.

Dr Mohd Azman said family members and close contacts of patients are at high risk of contracting the disease, hence early detection, contact screening and immediate treatment are very important to prevent transmission in the community.

He said the Ministry of Health is also implementing the provision of Single Dose Rifampicin (SDR) to eligible close contacts to reduce the risk of infection.

Meanwhile, he said the theme for this year's World Leprosy Day, "Leprosy Is Curable, The Real Challenge Is Stigma", aims to raise public awareness that leprosy patients should not be ostracized because the disease is not caused by race, heredity or retaliation for certain actions.

At the same event, the Tumpat District Level Health Literacy Interview Programme was also held to increase the community's ability to obtain, understand and use health information to make the right decisions regarding personal, family and community health.

Various activities were provided including health forums, health and dental check-ups, blood donations, Rahmah sales and health literacy quizzes.

-- BERNAMA