Coimbatore: Tamil Nadu identified 2,291 new leprosy cases from April to December 2025 – a 20% increase from 1,899 cases detected in the same period in 2024, according to the Directorate of Public Health. While intensified surveillance may be improving detection, community medicine experts and dermatologists warn of rising deformities signalling delayed diagnoses.At least 3.4% of those in 2025 (77) had grade 2 deformities – up from 1.1% (21) in 2024. These visible, irreversible physical impairments indicate advanced nerve damage. “They signal ongoing community transmission, as early intervention prevents progression beyond subtle sensory loss,” said Coimbatore’s Deputy Director of Medical Services (Leprosy), Dr P Sivakumari.Tamil Nadu has achieved the target prevalence rate of less than one per 10,000 population. In 2024-25, the prevalence rate dropped to 0.29 per 10,000 from 0.30 per 10,000 population in 2023-24. The state has also achieved the target deformity rate of less than one per million population, health minister Ma Subramanian said in the state assembly. The deformity rate, which was 0.93 per million population in 2023-24 came down to 0.44 per million population in 2024-2025, he said.Yet experts see trouble ahead. “Eradication by 2027 looks impossible if active cases keep rising,” said a Coimbatore government dermatologist. “Central funding cuts since 2005 have slashed surveillance staff delaying diagnosis and treatment. Private diagnoses go unreported. Grade 3 deformities—highly contagious—cluster among migrant guest workers in crowded camps with poor healthcare access.”The public health department organises special drives for a fortnight twice a year to increase detections. “But this is not enough,” said Trichy-based health educator S Murugesan. “Myths endure as fiercely as the disease,” he said. Early warning signs of leprosy include pale or reddish skin patches that feel numb to touch, thickened nerves, and loss of sensation in hands or feet. “People ignore them. When they have deformities such as face disability or muscle weakness, they still don’t think it could be leprosy. By the time some people meet a health worker or a doctor, they would have reached grade 2 or severe grade 2 deformity.”Government Mohan Kumaramangalam Medical College Hospital (GMKMCH), Salem dean Dr J. Devi Meenal agrees. Salem district reported a higher number of active cases because of a lack of awareness among the public, she said. “Leprosy is still a social stigma among the public. Only when people break the stigma can it be diagnosed at the very early stage,” she added.
