[High prevalence of leprosy in the Federated States of Micronesia and special project for the elimination].

Abstract

Leprosy in Federated States of Micronesia is still endemic with incidence rate 221/100,000 and prevalence 33/10,000 in 1996. The disease was introduced by the patients from Nauru. Epidemic of the disease was observed in Pingelap during the 1960's and Kpingamarangi since 1966. Special project for the elimination of the disease by the chemoprophylaxis was launched in 1996. The preventive therapy is consist of one dose of an association of 3 antibiotics (rifampicin, ofloxacine and minocyclin) for adults and rifampicin alone for children. The project is completed for two years and followed by evaluation for 6 years. It is expected to reach the elimination level before year 2000.