The Romania Ministry of Health has reported two confirmed cases of leprosy (Hansen’s disease), and two other cases are undergoing clinical and microbiological evaluation, based on skin lesions and epidemiological criteria.
All four people are female, originally from Asia, employed as masseuses at a SPA salon in Cluj-Napoca.
Based on microbiological data, two of the cases have been confirmed, and two others are under clinical and epidemiological monitoring.
The State Sanitary Inspectorate of the Ministry of Health and DSP Cluj have ordered firm measures to limit any risk:
• ozone disinfection in all used spaces;
• checking locker rooms and individual storage spaces;
• intensifying hygiene procedures with approved biocides;
• scheduling employees for medical check-ups in Occupational Medicine;
• expanding the epidemiological investigation.
The Ministry of Health, through DSP, ordered the suspension of the salon’s activity until the epidemiological investigation is completed.
Leprosy: An interview with Dr Richard Truman
WHO-specific treatment for leprosy has been started. After initiating treatment, the risk of transmission decreases until it disappears, according to international protocols.
Important medical clarifications – to calm the population
Leprosy is a disease with slow evolution and low contagiousness. Transmission requires prolonged exposure.
The disease is NOT transmitted by:
• shaking hands,
• hugging,
• traveling in public transport,
• close proximity,
• using common spaces.
Given the slow development of the Mycobacterium leprae bacterium, the source of infection is difficult to identify. After starting treatment, the risk of spread disappears.
The Minister of Health has ordered the following:
• intensifying epidemiological surveillance;
• expanding contact testing;
• assessing the working and living conditions of foreign employees;
• requesting international assistance from WHO and ECDC, to validate diagnostic and treatment protocols and for support in epidemiological monitoring.
The risk for the general population remains low, and the situation is being managed with maximum responsibility.
The State Sanitary Inspection within the Ministry of Health will monitor this situation daily, in coordination with local and national public health teams.
In Romania, the last case of leprosy (Hansen’s disease) was diagnosed in 1981. At the European level, cases are sporadic, most of them in people coming from endemic areas in Asia, Africa or Latin America.