[Current epidemiologic aspects of leprosy on the Island of Reunion (Indian Ocean]

Abstract

In the view of a cost/effectiveness study of the anti-leprosy organization in French Reunion island, an epidemiological evaluation had been realized from all existing records. 324 cards had been collected but only 62% of known patients are followed under surveillance. The clinical spectrum is characterized by a greater part of lepromatous or border-line types by the mere fact of male forms. The prevalence is 0.5 per 1000 and the average incidence is 0.02 per 1000. Nevertheless, the patients show few disabilities. This low endemic level, the positive growing old of leprosy population, the high frequency of relationship amongst patients, induce the idea that the disease is under extinction with a low intra-familiar contamination. But the main goal will be a better surveillance of known patients.