Hansen's disease cases in Brazil rise 5% in 2023 compared to 2022
Between January and November 2023, Brazil diagnosed 19,219 new cases of hanseniasis, marking a 5 percent increase compared to the total number of notifications recorded during the same period in 2022.
According to Faustino Pinto, the National Coordinator of the Movement for the Reintegration of People Affected by hanseniasis (Morhan), “the increase in diagnoses over the last year is nothing new, as there is a great deal of underreporting of cases in the country." He explained that, paradoxically, the increase in diagnoses is, at first, positive.
Until 2019, the number of new cases identified had been increasing steadily each year, failing to reflect the true severity of the situation, he noted.
"As there hasn't been a national campaign for many years aimed at educating and encouraging people to seek medical attention if they suspect they have the disease, the diagnoses result from individuals proactively seeking care. People come to health services independently, seeking answers for skin discoloration, numbness, or nerve pain," Pinto explained.
Purple January
Considered one of the oldest diseases to affect humans, hanseniasis is an infectious and contagious disease that impacts the skin, mucous membranes, and the peripheral nervous system, including nerves and ganglia. While curable, it can lead to irreversible nerve damage if not diagnosed and treated promptly and effectively.
In an effort to raise awareness among the population and public authorities about the importance of early diagnosis and tackling prejudice against hanseniasis, Brazil established Purple January, a month dedicated to campaigns aimed at increasing awareness about the disease.
Officially endorsed by the Ministry of Health, the initiative seeks to disseminate information about the main symptoms, treatment, and prevention of the disease.
Symptoms and treatment
Common signs include the emergence of skin spots and/or areas with altered sensitivity, often accompanied by skin thickening, and associated with changes in sensory, motor, and/or autonomic functions.
According to the Ministry of Health, hanseniasis is diagnosed through a comprehensive physical examination that includes general, dermatological, and neurological assessments.
Treatment involves the use of antimicrobial drugs and is provided free of charge through the country’s public healthcare network, the SUS, without the need for hospitalization. The duration of treatment varies based on the clinical form of the disease.
