Leprosy statistics in China, 2017

Objective To describe the epidemiologic characteristics of leprosy in China and to provide evidence for making specific strategies in the leprosy control programme. Methods We used a descriptive analysis method to analyse the leprosy data from 2017 provided by the Leprosy Management Information System in China (LEPMIS) covering all the provinces of China excluding Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan. Results In 2017, 634 newly detected cases of leprosy were reported, with a case detection rate of 0.046 per 100,000 individuals. The proportions of cases in children under 15, multi-bacillary cases, and cases with grade 2 disability were 1.4%, 91.8%, and 20.0%, respectively. A total of 52 relapse cases, among which 28 cases occurred after multi-drug therapy, were reported. By the end of 2017, the total number of registered cases was 2,697, with a prevalence rate of 0.194 per 100,000 individuals. Conclusion In China, the overall leprosy prevalence is still at a low level, but its distribution is unbalanced, with higher incidence in Yunnan, Sichuan, Guizhou, Guangdong. To continue making progress toward eliminating leprosy, control efforts must be sustained over the coming years. Key words: Leprosy; Incidence; Morbidity; China