LEPROSY AMONG CHILDREN IN AN ENDEMIC AREA

Abstract

A retrospective analysis of leprosy in children at the Ghindeberet Hospital, from April 1964 to April 1981, is presented. There was a total of 103 patients. The disease was rare among the under five children (0.97%) and commonest in the 10 - 14 ages group (80.6%). There was no significant difference in sex ratio. Tuberculoid leprosy was the commonest type (53.4%). Family history of leprosy was not found in 48.68 of which 46.3% were defaulters. It is assumed that the presence of the disease in the family or knowledge of the disease could decrease the rate of defaulters. Finally, the search for the disease at school and community health surveys and regular check up of children at risk are stressed.