After two years of absence, a case of leprosy was confirmed in Yucatan, an infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae, which affects the skin and peripheral nerves.
This condition occurred in a male person, according to information from the federal Ministry of Health, as of September 7.
In the last 12 years, according to the historical records of the federal agency, 24 confirmed cases of this pathology have been confirmed, which was absent in the years 2013, 2021, and 2023. Of the other states of the Peninsula, Quintana Roo reports seven cases and Campeche, one.
According to the National Center for Preventive Programs and Disease Control (Cenaprece), leprosy has been eliminated as a public health problem, having achieved less than one case per 10 thousand inhabitants at the national and sub-national level.
LEPROSY IN YUCATAN
The director of the Dermatological Center of Yucatan, Dr. Jose Ceron Espinosa, mentioned that the number of new cases has decreased in recent years, but the disease has not yet been eradicated.
The dermatologist said that cases of leprosy continue to occur in Yucatan because the “spectrum” of this disease is very broad, that is, a person who was in contact with someone sick 40 years ago can begin to show signs of the disease now.
The center under his charge maintains an average of 20 patients who have been diagnosed between five and ten years ago.
SYMPTOMS OF LEPROSY
Dr. Ceron explained that this disease begins with white spots that cause alterations in the sensitivity of the skin and that can lead to the three existing types of leprosy: lepromatous (generalized), tuberculoid (in localized form), or dimorphic (a combination of the first two).
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