Importance of epidemiological surveillance of leprosy: analysis of the occurrence of leprosy in intra-domiciliary contacts in a capital in the Brazilian northeast region.

INTRODUCTION: Intra-domiciliary contacts are a group with the highest risk of developing leprosy.

METHODS: A cross-sectional study of intra-domiciliary contacts of new leprosy cases was conducted. A descriptive analysis of the variables was performed.

RESULTS: Among 190 contacts, 63% were invited to visit the health unit, and 54.2% received the BCG vaccine. The prevalence of leprosy among the contacts was 4.7%.

CONCLUSIONS: The occurrence of leprosy among the contacts was high and similar to that found previously. There were failures in surveillance actions carried out by health units. Never-before treated cases were found.