Leprosy has resurfaced in the Yucatán Peninsula, with Campeche confirming its first case of 2025 during epidemiological week 15, spanning April 6 to 12. This case, involving an adult male, brings the total number of confirmed leprosy cases in Mexico to 22, according to the federal Ministry of Health. The Peninsula now accounts for two recent infections, with the first reported in Yucatán the previous week. Both states are among the 12 in the country where this infectious disease has been detected this year.
Transmission and Symptoms of Leprosy
Leprosy, caused by the bacterium *Mycobacterium leprae*, primarily affects the skin, peripheral nerves, and eyes. It is transmitted through prolonged and close contact with an untreated infected person, often via droplets of saliva or nasal secretions. Despite its infectious nature, leprosy is not highly contagious, with less than 10% of exposed individuals developing the disease, according to the Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS). Stigma surrounding the condition remains a significant barrier to early detection and treatment.
Common symptoms include:
– Light patches on the skin that are neither painful nor itchy.
– Loss of sensitivity to heat, touch, or pain.
– Numbness or muscle weakness, particularly in the hands and feet.
– In advanced cases, visible deformities in the extremities or face.
Leprosy manifests in different forms, ranging from tuberculoid leprosy, characterized by minor lesions, to lepromatous leprosy, which is more severe and involves nodules and extensive damage to the skin and organs.
Treatment and Recovery
Leprosy is curable if detected early. Treatment, provided free of charge in Mexico, involves a combination of antibiotics administered over 6 to 12 months, depending on the type of leprosy diagnosed. Adherence to medical instructions is crucial for recovery, which typically occurs without lasting complications.
National Statistics
As of epidemiological week 15, the Ministry of Health has confirmed 22 cases of leprosy nationwide, comprising 14 men and 8 women. Campeche and Yucatán now join the list of 12 states reporting cases of this disease in 2025. Efforts to combat leprosy continue, with a focus on reducing stigma and promoting early detection and treatment.
Source: Por Esto
