Cluster of leprosy cases in Kona, Hawaii; impact of the Compact of Free Association

Abstract

International travel and migration will continue to contribute to the changing patterns of Hansen's disease (HD) in the United States. The majority of cases will be immigrants and refugees entering the country from leprosy-endemic regions. The Compact of Free Association, through its provision of free travel between the Freely Associated States and the United States without need for health screening, has created new public health issues. This cluster of HD cases in Kona, Hawaii, U.S.A., highlights the difficulties in detecting and monitoring the spread of disease in immigrant populations. This is a growing problem only likely to worsen in the coming years. In groups with cultural, language or other socioeconomic barriers, special and creative methods may be needed to tackle the problems of detection, treatment and education. Clinicians must remain mindful of the diagnosis of HD in high-risk groups.