Health authorities have raised concerns over a rise in leprosy cases reported from the Egodauyana area in Moratuwa over the past six months.

According to Administrative PHI of the Egodauyana MOH office, Daya Bandara Maussawa, 23 confirmed leprosy patients — including six children — have been identified, while another 31 suspected cases have been referred to the Dermatology Clinic. Several of these are also likely to test positive.

Maussawa said he has submitted a report on the growing number of leprosy cases to the Moratuwa Divisional Coordinating Committee. He noted that last year, 45 patients, including nine children, were diagnosed in the area.

“Leprosy is curable, just like many other contagious diseases, and there is no reason for patients to fear treatment. Symptoms can emerge even 15 years after contracting the infection, but many patients try to hide their condition, which only worsens it and makes detection difficult,” he explained.

He assured that patients’ privacy is strictly maintained during clinic visits.