Children with leprosy

In summary, child cases continue to present in substantial numbers and it is suggested that a new indicator be used, number of new cases of leprosy in children per 100,000 children. There are major diagnostic challenges when assessing a child with suggestive signs of leprosy, and if there is any doubt it is generally safer to keep the child under observation (maybe 2–3 months), then re-examine in the most favourable circumstances possible. For every confirmed new case, careful and sympathetic teaching of the parents is essential. This includes the risks of MDT, signs of reaction, and other topics (such as care of sensory- impaired limbs) according to the features of the individual case. In relation to each new child case, as for adult patients, household contact examinations need to be arranged. In future it may be appropriate for programme managers to introduce chemo/immuno-prophylaxis for those at greatest risk of contracting leprosy