Prevention of Disability in Children Living with Leprosy-Positive Parents: A Case Report

Abstract

Modes of transmission of leprosy have been debated for a very long time, but long-term contact is needed for the disease to be transmitted. Children have high risk of contracting leprosy if their parents, especially mothers, are positive and untreated, increasing the risk up to 14 times. 6.6% of children with leprosy are diagnosed with Grade 2 Disability (G2D) at the point of diagnosis. This is a case report showing how early detection, family screening and education effectively prevent disability in children living with leprosy-positive parents. A woman who gave birth to her fourth child was diagnosed with leprosy in Alverno Leprosy Hospital early 2018. The doctor immediately conducted leprosy screening and found that her husband and her three older children were positive. WHO-recommended drug therapy was then started till completion. No delayed growth nor deformities were found in all of the children. The mother passed away late 2018 due to leprosy reaction. The youngest child remained negative but constant monitoring should be done due to possible transmission risk. In conclusion, early detection, family screening and education are crucial in order to prevent the spread of leprosy as well as preventing the development of complications such as deformities and amputations.