CHITWAN: Eighteen people seeking treatment at hospitals in Chitwan district have been diagnosed with leprosy in the current fiscal year.
The District Public Health Office reported that the majority of cases were from Bharatpur Metropolitan City. Jayaram Duwadi, TB/Leprosy Officer at the Office, said 13 cases were recorded in Bharatpur, four in Kalika Municipality, and one in Madi Municipality. Of the 18 patients, 10 are men and eight are women.
Last fiscal year, the district recorded 43 leprosy cases, including 26 men. Duwadi emphasized that leprosy is a curable disease, but delayed treatment can lead to severe disfigurement, affecting the skin, nerves, limbs, and eyes.
He added that late detection is common in Nepal because the disease develops slowly, with visible skin patches appearing late. Most patients seek medical care only after the infection has progressed, increasing the risk of permanent damage. Leprosy is caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium leprae, and early symptoms include red skin lesions and loss of sensation.
Comment