Seputarkarawang.com - Karawang, The Karawang Regency Health Service (Dinkes) reported a significant increase in leprosy cases throughout 2025. Based on the latest data, 226 cases were recorded, this figure has increased quite sharply compared to 2024, which was 168 cases. Head of the Disease Prevention and Control (P2P) Division of the Karawang Health Office, Yayuk Sri Rahayu, revealed that the majority of sufferers were dominated by the adult age group with details of 211 cases in adults and 15 cases affecting children, Sunday (29/3/2026). Pure leprosy is a chronic infectious disease caused by the bacteria Mycobacterium leprae. Transmission occurs through respiratory droplets or close physical contact over a long period of time. However, people do not need to panic because this disease can be completely cured as long as they receive proper medical treatment as early as possible.
The initial symptoms of leprosy are often not noticed because they resemble ordinary skin diseases, namely the appearance of white or reddish spots on the skin that do not feel itchy. The most prominent characteristic is numbness or numbness in the area of the spot. If signs like this are found, residents are advised not to ignore them. Early detection is crucial to prevent nerve damage which can lead to permanent disability that is difficult to recover if treatment is carried out too late.As a real step to reduce the transmission rate, the Karawang District Government through all Community Health Centers is now intensifying early detection and providing free treatment for patients. Yayuk Sri Rahayu ensures that there is sufficient stock of medicines and medical personnel are ready to provide assistance until the patient is declared fully recovered. "We urge the public to immediately get themselves checked. Treatment is available free of charge so that patients can recover quickly and break the chain of transmission in the surrounding environment," he said when confirmed by media crew.Apart from focusing on treatment, the Karawang Health Office is also active in educating residents to remove the negative stigma towards leprosy sufferers. Social discrimination often makes sufferers feel embarrassed and reluctant to seek treatment, which actually worsens their health condition. With fast, appropriate treatment and moral support from the social environment, it is hoped that leprosy patients in Karawang can return to normal activities without fear of infection or ostracism in society.
