Coimbatore's Leprosy Detection Campaign Uncovers 36 New Cases in Second Phase
Health officials in Coimbatore district have reported the detection of 36 new leprosy cases during the second phase of the intensive door-to-door Leprosy Case Detection Campaign. This critical public health initiative was conducted from January 19 to February 9, aiming to identify and address hidden cases of the disease within the community.
Urban and Rural Distribution of Cases
The campaign revealed a distinct geographical distribution of the newly identified cases. Twenty cases were detected in rural areas, while sixteen cases were found in urban localities. This marks a significant shift from the previous phase, highlighting changing patterns in disease prevalence and detection efforts.
Comparison with Phase 1 Results
According to district health authorities, the total number of cases identified in Phase 2 shows minimal variation from the results of Phase 1, which was held in August 2025. However, a crucial difference lies in the urban-rural breakdown. In Phase 1, 38 new cases were confirmed from 36,228 suspect cases identified by volunteers. Of these, 31 cases were in rural areas and only 7 in urban zones, with one case involving a child.
In contrast, Phase 2 screened 38,078 suspected individuals, leading to the confirmation of 36 cases. The urban count rose to 16, with rural areas accounting for 20 cases, and no child cases were reported this time. All detected cases were in the early stages, exhibiting no visible deformities.
Strategic Changes in Detection Approach
An official explained that the increase in urban cases is largely attributed to modified detection patterns implemented in the campaign. "These are hidden cases identified at an early stage without deformity," the official stated. "This time, we reached out to households between 7 am and 8 am to ensure coverage of working individuals, which has proven effective."
The official further noted that while districts like Erode and Trichy typically report higher case numbers, Coimbatore's figures remain moderate. The campaign has expanded its focus beyond traditional hotspots such as Anaimalai and Annur blocks to include urban areas since 2025, reflecting a broader, more inclusive strategy.
Progress Towards Leprosy Elimination
This targeted effort is seen as a positive step towards the goal of eliminating leprosy by 2027. By identifying cases early and adapting screening methods to reach diverse populations, health officials are optimistic about controlling the disease's spread and improving outcomes for affected individuals.
