Unexpected cases of leprosy in Samoa
Unexpected cases of leprosy in Samoa
Just when it looked as though Samoa might finally be getting near leprosy-free status, two unexpected cases appeared: two small children, a 6-year-old boy and his 7-year-old sister, and two workers at a logging company on Savaii were diagnosed positive with leprosy. These cases were originally diagnosed in local clinics and referred to the Infectious Disease Clinic (IDC) at the main hospital.
The IDC was quite concerned about the two cases at the logging company. The two men were not related but had been working together a long tim. It could therefore be possible there might yet be more cases in the logging company or in their village. The IDC asked the Foundation to support a screening program at the logging company and the village. Naturally, the Foundation agreed.
Dr. Ben Matalavea, head of the IDC, Chief Nurse Serafi Mulumulu, Assistant Nurse Mariana and Pacific Leprosy Foundation Co-ordinator, Billy Nati, all went to Savaii to screen in the village. They were supported by the community nurses nearest that village.
Two new cases were diagnosed during screening, both related to the index cases. One was later cleared when his biopsy results turned out negative.
After villagers were screened, they were given a dose of Rifampicin, which is the protocol in the World Health Organisation chemoprophylaxis for leprosy program, as preventative therapy. The villagers will be screened again one year from now. Hopefully, there will not be any new cases arising in the village in the future.
The Infectious Disease Clinic, and the village, are very appreciative of the support which you give to the people of Samoa in striving to make Samoa a leprosy-free country. We know there is still work to be done but the Foundation is committed to realizing a leprosy-free Samoa one day. Thank you for your help in reaching our goals.
