Impact of the Covid-19 Pandemic on Leprosy: Evidence From an Endemic City in Northeastern Brazil

Background:

Leprosy is endemic to Brazil. The Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic may have affected diagnosis and treatment.

Methods:

Study in Mossoró-RN (2018-2023) analyzing epidemiological data, treatment abandonment, and COVID-19 co-infection.

Results:

The average weekly number of cases declined during the post-pandemic period. The dropout rate was higher during the acute phase. Male sex was associated with dropout (odds ratio [OR], 6.32; p = 0.013). Of the 57 patients tested for COVID-19, 21 tested positive, with no clinical aggravation.

Conclusions:

The pandemic has affected leprosy control. Local strategies helped reduce the impact, and co-infection did not worsen the disease