Active case-finding is conducted through outreach programs to identify leprosy cases and potential sources of contagion, as well as individuals who may be at risk due to proximity to an infected person, while passive case-finding refers to the detection of cases through consultations. Children under 15 years of age serve as an indicator of active transmission of the disease, given its prolonged incubation period.
Methods
Indirect observations of reports from the National Leprosy Control Program from 2021 to 2023 were used. Results: A total of 152,903 adults and 50,623 children were evaluated in 2021, 149,908 adults and 37,477 children in 2022, and 140,395 adults and 134,898 children in 2023 through active case-finding, while passive case-finding reached216,810 adults and 177,391 children in 2021, 345,596 adults and 60,987 children in 2022, and 889,363 adults and 320,117 children in 2023. The results showed that active case-finding was more effective in detecting cases in children under 15, while passive case-finding proved more effective in adults. Regarding disability, most cases in children were diagnosed at early stages, with only one case of grade 2 disability in 2023.
Discussion
Leprosy prevalence was higher in rural areas, reinforcing the need to implement active case-finding strategies in these regions. These findings suggest that early detection, especially through active case-finding, is crucial for controlling leprosy in children. It is recommended to intensify awareness campaigns and staff training in the most affected areas.