Challenges of the public health response to a rare case of non-autochthonous Mycobacterium leprae, Ireland, 2024.

Journal: Euro Surveillance : Bulletin Europeen Sur Les Maladies Transmissibles = European Communicable Disease Bulletin
Published:
Abstract

This case report details the public health response to a multibacillary leprosy case in Ireland. The case presented with hypopigmented skin lesions and neurological symptoms. Challenges included delayed recognition in the clinical setting, contact tracing within a congregate setting and lack of specific Irish guidelines. Comprehensive contact tracing, chemoprophylaxis and follow-up care were implemented, guided by international protocols. This case underscores the need for tailored guidelines and stigma mitigation strategies for this neglected tropical disease in non-endemic regions.

Authors
Rebecca Marshall, Eddie Horgan, Hugh Duane, Annette Dillon, Nadra Nurdin, Sarah O'connell, Corinna Sadlier, Anne Dee, Anne Sheahan, Peter Barrett
Relevant Conditions

Leprosy