Leprosy epidemic and prevention-control measures in Ningbo,2004 - 2008

Objective To conduct retrospective analysis on the newly detected leprosy patients in Ningbo from 2004 to 2008 and explore effective prevention-control measures in lowly epidemic areas. Methods The newly detected leprosy patients were surveyed and analyzed statistically. Results From 2004 to 2008, a total of 20 new leprosy patients were detected including 14 males and 6 females. The average annual incidence rate was 0.044/lakh, and the average annual incidence rate among floating population was 0.140/lakh. Multibacillary Leprosy cases accounted for 90% of the total. Seventeen cases were imported ones, the mean age of confirmed cases was 34.10 years, and average delayed time was 16.98 months. Nine cases were infected by household contact, and 18 cases were detected in dermatology clinics and other anti-leprosy agencies. Two cases were the contacts of the patients family member. Conclusion The leprosy epidemic had been controlled effectively in Ningbo. The contacts screening and epidemic focus survey should be the effective ways to detect new leprosy case, and it is necessary to strengthen the leprosy screening and health education among floating population, especially among migrated workers from highly epidemic areas of leprosy.